Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 May 2003
Recent lyot coronagraphic performances achieved with adaptive optics (AO) instruments ADONIS/SHARPII, PUEO/KIR and NAOS/CONICA are presented and compared to detection limit predictions estimated with a simple analytic approach. The aim is to discuss and to determine the different observing limitations, to optimize the use of the instrument capabilities and to support the design of future instruments in the specific field of high contrast observations.