Circumstellar disk and planet imaging with AO

Steady progress in AO-based instrumentation and high-contrast algorithms have led to rapid improvements in sensitivity and accuracy when characterizing circumstellar environments through direct imaging at near-infrared wavelengths. Here we will discuss some recent results from high-contrast imaging studies of exoplanets and disks, with a particular emphasis of results achieved within the context of the SEEDS survey. SEEDS uses the AO-supported HiCIAO camera on the Subaru telescope for achieving high contrast around typically young, nearby, and Sun-like stars. The survey has produced novel results in detection and characterization of both planet and disks in several different stages of evolution, some of which will be summarized here. Finally, we will discuss some future prospects for the SEEDS survey and beyond.