Active optics and the new technology telescope (NTT): The key to improved optical quality at lower cost in large astronomical telescopes

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Abstract
The first fully ‘active’ telescope, the ESO NTT, produced its first astronomical images (‘First Light’) in March 1989. The spectacular results and the background work leading to them are described. The origins of the development of the active optics concept are reviewed and a description of the NTT system is given. Recent operational results and limitations to optical quality are discussed, as well as the steps taken to establish a fully automatic correction system. Finally, the optical efficiency of telescopes is considered in the light of the NTT experience and the implications for future ground- and space-based telescopes summarized.

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