Adaptive optics systems and components have achieved a level of sophistication and simplicity that goes beyond traditional applications in astronomy and the military and into developments in medicine, manufacturing, and communications. This book was written for those interested in the multidisciplinary technology and those who need a broad-brush explanation without wading through thousands of journal articles. It follows the structure of a one-day tutorial taught by the author, including humor and sidebars of historical material.Contents - A long time ago, in a laboratory far far, really far, away - Adaptive optics systems - Optics is our middle name - Speaking the language - a few definitions - Atmospheric turbulence - Bad air...bad, bad air - Laser guide stars - a beacon in the wilderness - Systems - putting it all together - Wavefront sensors - the eyes - Deformable mirrors - the hands - Control computers and reconstructors - the brains