Adaptive optics technology (AO) is an important means to improve the single-mode fiber coupling efficiency in the ground stations of the free space optical systems, increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of received signals, and improve the reliability of laser communication. This paper discusses the application of AO technology to laser communication ground stations employed by both Europe and the United States. Detailed description and analysis are carried out, and the main contents include the composition, parameters and some experimental results of the AO systems. It provides a useful reference for the design of laser communication ground stations and the corresponding AO systems.