The paper motivates the science requirements for high-contrast imaging illustrated by actual observation results. After an
introduction to the high-contrast-imaging problem composed of extreme adaptive optics, coronagraphy, wave-front
control an post-processing, the state-of-the-art will be reviewed putting emphasis on existing instruments and those that
are near completion: LBT-FLAO, Magellan Mag AO, Palomar P3K / P1640, Subaru SCExAO, Gemini GPI, and VLT
SPHERE.
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