A review of published adaptive optics science: A bright future for adaptive optics

In this review, the current (July. 2002) refereed astronomy journals have been surveyed for all AO papers dealing with astronomical science. In the last 9 years, 144 refereed pure science AO papers in solar system, stellar, and extra-galactic astronomy were selected. Of these 144 papers, 28% have been published in the last 18 months. The vast majority of these papers (67%) utilize broad-band near infrared imaging (J, H & K'). More complex techniques (narrowband NIR imaging, L band imaging, AO spectroscopy (2D & 3D), polarimetry, coronography) are becoming robust AO techniques in the NIR (1-2.5 μm). Of less current published success is visible (0.5-1 μm) AO, due in part from the complex technical issues, and also in part from the stiff competition from HST. As well there appears to have been little AO science in the M band. Laser guide stars have surprisingly not yet matured to a point where they enhance the science capabilities of the telescopes that have them. Now that the latest generation of 6-10m AO systems (and their facility AO camera/spectrographs) are finishing the commissioning phases we should see further robust growth in AO science in the immediate future and well into the decade.