High-resolution K ' imaging of the z=1.786 radio galaxy 3C 294

We have obtained imaging in the K' band (similar to I-band rest frame) of t he z = 1.786 radio galaxy 3C 294 with the 36-element curvature-sensing adap tive optics system Hokupa'a and the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. At a re solution of less than or similar to 0." 15, the galaxy is seen as a group o f small but resolved knots distributed over a roughly triangular region sim ilar to 1." 14 across. The interpretation of the structure depends on the l ocation of the nucleus, as indicated by the compact radio core. Its positio n is uncertain by greater than or similar to 0." 5 (2 sigma) because of unc ertainties in the optical astrometry, but our best estimate places it at or near the southern apex of the distribution. If this location is correct, t he most likely interpretation is that of a hidden quasar nucleus illuminati ng dusty infalling dwarf galaxy-like clumps that have characteristic sizes of similar to 1.5 kpc.