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About

Pravin Chordia is a leading figure in the development of autonomous, laser-guided adaptive optics (AO) systems, dramatically expanding the capabilities of small- to medium-sized telescopes. His primary research focuses on creating robotic, cost-effective AO instruments that correct for atmospheric blurring in visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Chordia’s most significant contribution is his work on the Robo-AO system, the first fully autonomous laser adaptive optics instrument to operate on-sky. This revolutionary system, requiring minimal human oversight, can robotically execute large-scale surveys, monitor long-term astrophysical dynamics, and characterize newly discovered transients. He was instrumental in the design and development of a second-generation Robo-AO system, optimized for both visible and near-infrared observations, specifically for the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) 2-meter telescope. By making high-resolution, diffraction-limited imaging accessible and economical for 1- to 3-meter class telescopes, Chordia’s work has democratized advanced astronomical observation, enabling high-impact science from smaller facilities and paving the way for a new era of robotic, high-cadence sky monitoring.