6. Adaptive optics dimensioning guidelines

One of the key issues in the implementation of an AO system is the choice of sizing. This is a relatively complex issue, and is highly dependent on the intended application. Sizing is based on an analysis of requirements and installation conditions. It is often based on rapid dimensioning tools, using pseudo-analytical calculations to rough out the analysis, and can then be supported by much more precise simulation tools. However, it is possible here to propose a few broad outlines, by way of example, based on the few approximate formulas previously introduced. In the following, we will consider the case of astronomical observation, but the proposed rules can quite easily be extended to optical telecommunications, satellite observation or retinal imaging, for example.

• OA sizing is based first and foremost on the definition of a performance...