Abstract: Adaptive optics with controllable delay in a matrix of regions focuses the image of an object upon a detector array in an image plane that provides a signal set representative of the radiant energy incident upon a matrix of locations in the image plane. An image signal processor processes this signal set to provide a wavefront error signal representative of the estimated wavefront phase distortion of the radiant energy incident upon the detector array. A control system responds to this wavefront error signal to effect alteration of the phase delay introduced by the adaptive optics to reduce the phase distortion of radiant energy incident upon the detector array.