What specific component is used in an Adaptive Optics system to reverse atmospheric light distortion in real-time?

Answer

A deformable mirror with thousands of tiny actuators.

The AO system uses a sensor to measure distortion, and that signal immediately drives the tiny actuators on a deformable mirror to push and pull its surface, reversing the distortion.

What specific component is used in an Adaptive Optics system to reverse atmospheric light distortion in real-time?
telescopelimitgroundobservationatmosphere