Abstract: An optical system (3) for transferring light energy from a light source (1), in particular a moving light source, to a common aperture independent of the location of the light source within a field of view, wherein the light energy distribution is preferably substantially uniform over the area of the common aperture. A detection system comprises a light source 1 for irradiating a spot on a moving object 0, an optical probe assembly 3 for collecting light energy from the irradiated spot on the subject 0 when within a field of view of the probe assembly 3, and a photodetector 4.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus provides data relating to the shape of an input radiation wavefront, the wavefront shape being describable at a pre-determined location in an optical system. The apparatus includes an aberration device which provides an aberration to the input radiation wavefront, the shape of which is defined by a filter function that is complex valued and has non-mixed symmetry, and a detector having a radiation sensitive surface capable of detecting the intensity of incident radiation on the surface, the detector being coupled to an output device that provides a measure of the intensity of the incident radiation. The aberration device is configured to act on an input wavefront shape to produce first and second output radiation signals that are detected by the detector and in combination cause the output device to provide data indicating an extent to which the wavefront shape is non-planar.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus comprising a novel wavefront sensor having a novel aberration means which can be constructed as a diffractive optical element (DOE) and which is suitable for use in adaptive optics. The measuring apparatus can determine the shape of an input radiation wavefront, which is mathematically describable at a predetermined location in an optical system. The apparatus has aberration means, the shape of which is defined by a filter function, detection means with a radiation sensitive surface for detecting the intensity of incident radiation on the surface. The detection means is coupled to an output device that provides a measure of the intensity of the incident radiation. The aberration means is shaped according to a generalised mathematical formula to act on any input wavefront shape to produce first and second output radiation signals that in combination provide data from the output device on the extent to which the wavefront shape is non-planar.