The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) and the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) have successfully developed an all solid-state laser to produce an "artificial star" in the upper atmosphere to expand operation of the Subaru telescope's adaptive optics system. An adaptive optics system has been in operation at the Cassegrain focus of the Subaru telescope providing high-resolution images by compensating for atmospheric turbulence since December, 2000.

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More info: Subaru telescope web page