Abstract: Though the exact origins of active and adaptive optics are unknown, recent history can be traced by the development of components. Earnest development of active and adaptive optical components began in the early 1970s with two areas of emphasis: (1) compensated imaging and (2) laser beam propagation. Typical for defense driven research and development programs, much of the evolutionary successes and pitfalls will forever remain undisclosed. Recent declassification of adaptive optics technology including laser guide star use has opened the way for exploitation by astronomers and others of the component development. It is the sole purpose of this paper to show those that would be users that the technology is mature. !84
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