Abstract: An improved light waveform image sensing system is described. The image wavefront is focused on an image divider and divided into "n"-segments ("n">1) whereupon the "n"-segements are focused on "n"-detector arrays and detected by "S"-detectors ("S">>1) in the "n"-detector arrays.The "S"-detectors may comprise any of the well-known photosensitive elements. A particular useful detector is an electron-beam mode device described in detail herein. The detected signals are combined to produce an electrical signal proportional to the tilt in the wavefront which signal may be used to deform a deformable mirror thereby correcting the image.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for sensing wavefront distortions in a return beam of light, such as a beam returned through a turbulent atmosphere or through an imperfect optical system from a radiating or illuminated object is disclosed. This apparatus includes the components typically present in a Hartmann-type wavefront sensor, and additionally includes means to provide a modulated reference beam of light which is combined with the return beam. The use of a modulated reference beam eliminates the necessity for precise optical alignment, which is difficult or impossible to maintain in most operating environments.

Abstract: A scalable, low light, high speed wavefront sensor system is disclosed for real time sensing of optical wavefronts using: a gateable image intensifier tube (GIIT), a monolithic lenslet array (MLM), a custom high speed switched silicon detector array, high speed analog/digital processing components, which are microprogrammed with signal processing algorithms. The incoming wavefront is reimaged by foreoptics, then divided into multiple subapertures by the use of the MLM. The MLM forms N.times.M target images which are intensified and transferred to a detector array in which the centroid of each target image on the pixels of the detector array define the local tilt aberration of the wavefront in each subaperture. This local tilt in each subaperture is calculated with microcoded implemented algorithms using real time processing electronics.