On-sky demonstration of reinforcement learning for adaptive optics control
Researchers have successfully demonstrated a reinforcement learning (RL) controller for adaptive optics (AO) systems on a telescope for the first time. The controller, named PO4AO, was deployed on the Papyrus system at the OHP and consistently outperformed traditional controllers. It showed robustness to noise and vibrations, operating effectively across various observing conditions and targets. AI
IMPACT Demonstrates the practical application of RL in complex real-world systems, potentially improving astronomical observations.