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Chapter 6: Problem 10

Cameras that use adaptive optics provide higher-spatialresolution images primarily because a. they operate above Earth's atmosphere. b. deformable mirrors are used to correct the blurring due to Earth's atmosphere. c. composite lenses correct for chromatic aberration. d. they simulate a much larger telescope.

Short Answer

Expert verified
b. Deformable mirrors are used to correct the blurring due to Earth's atmosphere.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

Read the question to understand what is being asked. The question is about why cameras that use adaptive optics provide higher-spatial-resolution images.
02

Examine the Options

Look at each of the given options and evaluate them one by one:a. They operate above Earth's atmosphere.b. Deformable mirrors are used to correct the blurring due to Earth's atmosphere.c. Composite lenses correct for chromatic aberration.d. They simulate a much larger telescope.
03

Recall the Function of Adaptive Optics

Adaptive optics is primarily used to counteract the blurring effects caused by the Earth's atmosphere. This involves using deformable mirrors that can adjust in real time.
04

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Using the understanding from Step 3, eliminate options that do not pertain to deformable mirrors or atmospheric correction:a. Incorrect - Adaptive optics is used on ground-based telescopes to correct Earth's atmospheric distortion, not to operate above the atmosphere.b. Correct - Deformable mirrors are used to correct the blurring due to Earth's atmosphere.c. Incorrect - Composite lenses do not pertain directly to the function of adaptive optics.d. Incorrect - Adaptive optics do not involve simulating a larger telescope.
05

Conclude the Correct Answer

Of the provided options, the correct function of adaptive optics leading to higher-spatial-resolution images is due to the use of deformable mirrors to correct the blurring caused by Earth's atmosphere.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Deformable Mirrors
Deformable mirrors are a crucial part of adaptive optics systems. They are designed to change shape in response to atmospheric distortions that affect the clarity of images captured by telescopes. These mirrors are equipped with numerous small actuators that modify the mirror's surface in real-time.
By constantly adjusting the mirror's shape, deformable mirrors can counteract the blurring effects caused by the Earth's atmosphere. Below are the key points to understand about deformable mirrors:
  • They consist of a flexible, reflective surface.
  • Tiny actuators placed beneath the surface adjust the mirror's shape.
  • Adjustments are made in real-time to correct distortions.
These ongoing adjustments are vital for producing clearer and higher-resolution images, making them indispensable for modern adaptive optics systems.
Atmospheric Distortion Correction
Atmospheric distortion, often referred to as 'atmospheric turbulence,' complicates the task of capturing sharp images through a telescope from Earth. This distortion is caused by the varying temperature and density of air layers, which affect how light waves travel through the atmosphere. Distorted light waves ultimately result in blurry images.
Adaptive optics tackles this problem by employing real-time correction methods.
Important elements of atmospheric distortion correction include:
  • Real-time monitoring of atmospheric conditions.
  • Sending corrective signals to deformable mirrors.
  • Rapid adjustments—sometimes thousands of times per second.
These corrections enable telescopes to capture images with much greater clarity, effectively 'removing' the atmospheric interference and providing clearer and higher-quality observations.
Higher-Spatial-Resolution Imaging
Achieving higher-spatial-resolution imaging is one of the primary goals of using adaptive optics in astronomy. Higher spatial resolution means being able to see finer details in the observed objects, which is crucial for both astronomical research and imaging.
  • Increased spatial resolution allows astronomers to distinguish between objects that are very close together in the sky.
  • This makes it possible to observe features on distant celestial bodies with much greater clarity.
  • It also improves the ability to study phenomena such as star formations, planetary surfaces, and even the behavior of distant galaxies.
By mitigating the blurring effects caused by the Earth's atmosphere, adaptive optics enables telescopes to produce images comparable to those taken from space, thus making ground-based astronomy significantly more powerful.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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