Astronomical adaptive optics activities in Japan

Japanese astronomical adaptive optics development began in the 1990s for the system to be installed on the 8.2-m Subaru Telescope of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. Currently, development is underway, including 188-element laser guide star AO, SCExAO for exoplanet observations, and GLAO using an adaptive secondary mirror in collaboration with Tohoku University for the telescope. Kyoto University is now developing AO for its 3.8-m Seimei telescope. Kyoto Sangyo University, Okayama University of Science, and other universities have established development groups. In addition, research on AO for microscopy and space optical communications is being conducted in collaboration with astronomical groups.