Adaptive optics (AO) techniques have evolved rapidly during recent years due to development of new components. In laser countermeasures perturbations due to atmospheric turbulence, engine plumes and aero-optical effects may degrade system performance dramatically. Adaptive optics methods provide schemes to compensate for perturbations and improve system performance. This could be an alternative to scaling of the laser power which can be difficult to achieve from a technical point of view. In order to evaluate adaptive optics in laser countermeasure applications components and their performance need to be characterised from an experimental point of view. Proper modelling is also required to facilitate the understanding of the benefits of implementing adaptive optics schemes. The components include the wavefront sensor and the correcting element. The Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor and a deformable membrane mirror were considered in this report. In addition, a piezo-electric tip-tilt mirror was briefly studied. The report covers activitities focusing on characterisation of the components. A setup for a cosed-loop laboratory AO system is briefly discussed.