Abstract: A method for testing or controlling a performance of an adaptive optic. The method includes the steps of generating from the adaptive optic an augmented matrix comprising a local wavefront difference-error sensitivity matrix; and, a local optical quality factor sensitivity matrix; interrogating the adaptive optic by preferentially turning on selected laser sources which are directed into an entrance pupil of the adaptive optic, for recording a resultant diffraction pattern at an imaging plane; taking a Fourier transform of the resultant diffraction pattern, for generating magnitude and phase component at selected pupil positions; laser scanning the entrance pupil of the adaptive optic, for generating up to N samples of magnitude and phase components, thereby forming an observation vector; and solving for a force vector, for applying the force vector to the adaptive optic.