Pyramid wavefront sensing: theory and component technology development at LAO

Jess A. Johnson; Renate Kupke; Donald Gavel; Brian Bauman

doi:10.1117/12.672364

27 June 2006 Pyramid wavefront sensing: theory and component technology development at LAO

Jess A. Johnson, Renate Kupke, Donald Gavel, Brian Bauman

Proceedings Volume 6272, Advances in Adaptive Optics II; 62724R (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.672364
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

Pyramid wavefront sensors offer an alternative to traditional Hartmann sensing for wavefront measurement in astronomical adaptive optics systems. The Pyramid sensor has been described as a slope sensor with potential sensitivity gains over the Shack Hartmann sensor, but in actuality seems to exhibit traits of both a slope sensor and a direct phase sensor. The original configuration, utilizing glass pyramids and modulation techniques, is difficult to implement. We present results of laboratory experiments using a Pyramid sensor that utilizes a micro-optic lenslet array in place of a glass pyramid, and does not require modulation. A group of four lenslets forms both the pyramid knife-edge and the pupil reimaging functions. The lenslet array is fabricated using a technique that pays careful attention to the quality of the edges and corners of the lenslets. The devices we have tested show less than 1 micron edge and corner imperfections, making them some of the sharpest edges available. We finish by comparing our results to theoretical wave optic predictions which clearly show the dual nature of the sensor.

Citation Download Citation

Jess A. Johnson, Renate Kupke, Donald Gavel, and Brian Bauman "Pyramid wavefront sensing: theory and component technology development at LAO", Proc. SPIE 6272, Advances in Adaptive Optics II, 62724R (27 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.672364

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