Invention:
This invention describes a better design for a wavefront sensor that can capture all the desirable traits of a wavefront sensor in one package. It takes the best attributes of the two most well known wavefront sensors (Shack-Hartmann type and Pyramid type). Alone, these two wavefront sensors can only achieve 1-2 of the three ideal wavefront sensor properties: high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and linearity. This novel wavefront sensor allows for all three properties to be realized in single sensor design.
Background:
Wavefront sensors are at the forefront of adaptive optics, a field that has seen massive interest and growth, and continues to have incredible potential. An essential element of any adaptive optics system is having an effective wavefront sensor that can identify any aberrations in the optical data collected. This is particularly important as current wavefront sensors have a tradeoff between their properties and none allow for all of the ideal properties to be reached. Currently, wavefront sensors are used at telescopes for military space surveillance as well as astronomical purposes.
Applications:
- Astronomical observation
- Military surveillance
Advantages:
- More efficient
- High sensitivity
- Wide dynamic range
- Linearity
