Sensing wavefront aberrations using intensity gradients

Brian Vohnsen¹, Denise Valente dos Santos², and Diego Rativa^3
1Optics Group, School of Physics, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
²Fisica de Materiais, University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
³Institute of Technological Innovation, University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil

Light propagation is governed by the optical wavefront and is vital to describe the performance and quality of any optical system. The wavefront represents a 2-D surface of in-phase points. It is commonly described by a function that depends on the cartesian (x, y) or radial (r, θ) pupil coordinates. For convenience this can be projected onto orthogonal functions such as the Zernike polynomials which is the approach we will take.

                There are different methods available to characterize wavefronts each with their pros and cons. Interferometric methods are useful for high precision tasks but are complicated by the fact that phase unwrapping is usually needed to reconstruct the measured wavefront. The wavefront may also be probed at multiple planes where comparative analysis can then reveal its shape. Alternatively, local wavefront sampling is often used for fast sensing tasks. The sampling can be accomplished by apertures, lenslets, fibre arrays, sectored pupils, refractive pyramids, etc. These may be physical objects but can also be realized by means of programmable spatial light modulators offering greater flexibility.

                Ultimately, the wavefront phase impacts on intensity distributions and, therefore, several techniques have been developed that rely entirely or predominantly on intensity variations to determine the wavefront. In this contribution, we review intensity-based wavefront sensors developed in our laboratory from fibre-guided arrays, sequential wavefront sensing, to quasi-resonant sensors that all allow reconstruction of the probed wavefront. We also discuss some of the applications where the developed sensors may prove beneficial. © Anita Publications. All rights reserved.
Doi: 10.54955.AJP.33.5-6.2024.411-418
Keywords: Wavefront sensors, Intensity gradients, Aberrations, Adaptive optics, Dynamic range, Sensitivity.

Peer Review Information
Method: Single- anonymous; Screened for Plagiarism? Yes
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