Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for determining the image quality of an optical imaging system and to the use of the method according to the invention for determining the influence of samples on the amplitude distribution and phase front distribution of the illumination light, of which the amplitude distribution is known in particular.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus able to design lenses without regard as to a zoom position or zoom amount and able to restore an image by high precision operation and a method of same, including an optical unit 110 including a plurality of optical systems 110-1 and 110-2 forming a first order image and having different magnifications, an imaging element 120, and an image processing device 150 forming the first order image to a high definition final image, wherein, in the image processing device 150, a kernel size used at the time of the convolution operation and the coefficients used in the operation of numerical values thereof are made variable in accordance with the magnification of the optical system, this is determined by input of an operation unit 190 etc., and the kernel size having suitability in accordance with the magnification of the optical system or the above coefficients are linked.

Abstract: An optical wavefront control pattern generating apparatus includes: a reconstructed image detector unit configured to detect a reconstructed image displayed on the reconstructed image display; and an optimizer unit configured to evaluate the reconstructed image detected by the reconstructed image detector unit, and to generate the optimum optical wavefront control pattern by applying a modification process to the optical wavefront control pattern in order for a result of the evaluation to satisfy a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A segmented array, perfectly aligned except for piston wraps, will have perfect imaging at wavelength ? but will have degraded imaging at other wavelengths. The present method detects and corrects piston wraps by making image-based measurements at a wavelength ? and a second wavelength ?1. These measurements will produce an image of the piston-wrapped segments and the intensities of these segments in the image at wavelength ?1 are linearly related to the sizes of the piston wraps at wavelength ?. The method needs no additional equipment like inter-segment apertures, lenslets, and detectors. It needs only a narrowband filter to change the measurement wavelength from ? to ?1.

Abstract: An image projection system for presenting an image to a viewer comprises an electromagnetic radiation source configured to generate radiation having multiple spectral characteristics, and multiple independently operable optical switches configured to selectively transmit, reflect, and/or block radiation from the radiation source to the viewer. The viewed image is made up of pixels defined by the selective operation of the optical switches with the radiation source.

Abstract: A combination for use in optical trapping is provided, comprising, in series: an adaptable reflective optical element for sculpting a laser beam to produce a sculpted beam; a beam splitter for splitting the sculpted beam into a first and a second sculpted beam; a micro lens array for dividing the first sculpted beam into an array of beamlets to produce a plurality of focal points; relay optics; and a focusing lens; and, in parallel: a wavefront curvature sensing device for accepting and analyzing the second sculpted beam, and reporting to a computer.

Abstract: An interference contrast imaging system images phase objects. The system includes an illumination source, illumination optics, polarizing optics for splitting the illumination into orthogonal polarizations and for recombining the polarizations, objective optics that form an image at a detector, a wavefront coding element and a post processor for processing the image by removing a phase shift imparted by the wavefront coding element. The wavefront coding element has an aperture, is between the phase object and the detector, and provides an altered optical transfer function of the imaging system by imparting the phase shift to the illumination transmitted through the wavefront coding element. The altered optical transfer function is insensitive to an object distance between the phase object and the objective optics over a greater range of object distances than would be provided by an optical transfer function of a corresponding interference contrast imaging system without the wavefront coding element.

Abstract: Zoom lens systems and methods for imaging incoming rays over a range of ray angles are disclosed. The incoming rays are characterized by at least phase. The zoom lens system includes an optical axis and is characterized by a plurality of modulation transfer functions (MTFs) corresponding at least to the range of ray angles. The zoom lens system includes an optical group disposed along the optical axis, including at least one variable optical element that has a variable focal length selectable between at least two distinct focal length values. The optical group also includes a wavefront coding element. The wavefront coding element alters at least the phase of the incoming rays, such that the plurality of MTFs corresponding to the range of ray angles, for each one of the two distinct focal length values, are less sensitive to misfocus-like aberrations than a corresponding system without the wavefront coding element.

Abstract: Devices systems, and methods can characterize an optical surface of an object. A wavefront sensor system focuses light energy propagating from the object to form a pattern on a detector. The system maps the pattern to an array with a transform function such as a Fourier transform. The values of array correspond to characteristic locations and signals in a transform space, for example an intensity of spatial frequency signals in frequency space. The characteristic location and intensity of these signals in transform space are used to measure the optical surface. For example, a characteristic frequency of a spatial frequency intensity peak in Fourier transform space can be used to estimate the location of spots on the detector. Alternatively, the characteristics can be used to the measure sphere, cylinder and axis of a wavefront, wavefront elevation maps and point spread functions, often without locating positions of individual spots on the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for regenerating the phase of an optically modulated signal with phase changes and based on two and three replicas, wherein the replicas refer to the number of identical signals that are obtained form the input signal. This regenerator is capable of regenerating the phase and period of any format of modulation of optical communications systems which are differential modulation with phase changes, such as: DISK, DQPSK, RZ-DQPSK, RZ-DQPSK, D8PSK, D8PSK, RZ-D16PSK, D16PSK. The regenerator design presented involves the regenerator being placed alter the multiplexer of a communications system and before the signal modulators and/or decoders. Thus the regenerator receives the signal leaving the multiplexer and this signal is input in an amplitude modulator.

Abstract: Provided is a compact, high-speed deformable mirror for use with an adaptive optic. The mirror or wavefront correction device corrects and/or compensates for wavefront aberrations present in a wavefront received by the optics. The mirror includes a deformable membrane which may be made of a semiconductive, metallic or insulating material. Positioned in close proximity to a front surface of the membrane is a transparent conductor, which may be covered by a window having an anti-reflective coating. A plurality of electrostatic actuators is located in close proximity to a back surface of the membrane, the conductor and actuators separated by a gap of approximately 10 ?m. In operation, a bias voltage is applied to the transparent conductor and an actuator voltage is applied to the plurality of actuators. The resultant voltage differential across the membrane defines the amount of membrane deformation, which in turn compensates for distortions in a subsequently reflected wavefront.

Abstract: A video camera with an adaptive optic device, digital images, and a sequential diversity processor can reduce the optical aberrations introduced by a changing optical medium so as to produce sharper clarified images. The change in the optics between sequential video frames is diversity information which allows the sequential diversity processor to estimate both the object under observation and the aberration. No additional information, such as a defocused image or other sensing device, is required. The concept could be used in any video camera which outputs digital images and uses a digital processor to control the adaptive optic device between sequential frames.

Abstract: A multi-conjugate adaptive optics system is described that reduces aberration-induced fluctuations of amplitude and phase in a beam without requiring the explicit measurement and feedback control of the beam's irradiance profile. The system uses a pair of wavefront correctors conjugated to widely separated planes in a turbulent path, where each of the wavefront correctors is controlled by a decentralized wavefront control loop. The system is configured such that the explicit control of phase fluctuations in a beam using the pair of wavefront correctors results in the implicit control of amplitude fluctuations in the beam. Because the system uses decentralized control loops that do not rely on beam irradiance measurement and feedback, the complexity of the control loop is reduced below that of conventional multi-conjugate adaptive optics systems and is comparable to that of single-conjugate adaptive optics systems.

Abstract: Devices systems, and methods can characterize an optical surface of an object. A wavefront sensor system focuses light energy propagating from the object to form a pattern on a detector. The system maps the pattern to an array with a transform function such as a Fourier transform. The values of array correspond to characteristic locations and signals in a transform space, for example an intensity of spatial frequency signals in frequency space. The characteristic location and intensity of these signals in transform space are used to measure the optical surface. For example, a characteristic frequency of a spatial frequency intensity peak in Fourier transform space can be used to estimate the location of spots on the detector. Alternatively, the characteristics can be used to the measure sphere, cylinder and axis of a wavefront, wavefront elevation maps and point spread functions, often without locating positions of individual spots on the detector.

Abstract: A system for measuring the wavefront characteristics of a powerful laser close to an emitting or transmitting surface of the laser. The system includes a beam sampler that has a sampling aperture for sampling radiation from a sampled area along the emitting or transmitting surface. The beam sampler includes a reflector for directing un-sampled radiation onto an absorber, which absorbs un-sampled radiation. Radiation sampled by the beam sampler is sensed using a sensor.

Abstract: A new way of mixing instrumental and digital means is described for the general field of wave front sensing. The present invention describes the use, the definition and the utility of digital operators, called digital wave front operators (DWFO) or digital lenses (DL), specifically designed for the digital processing of wave fronts defined in amplitude and phase. DWFO are of particular interest for correcting undesired wave front deformations induced by instrumental defects or experimental errors. DWFO may be defined using a mathematical model, e.g. a polynomial function, which involves coefficients. The present invention describes automated and semi-automated procedures for calibrating or adjusting the values of these coefficients. These procedures are based on the fitting of mathematical models on reference data extracted from specific regions of a wave front called reference areas, which are characterized by the fact that specimen contributions are a priori known in reference areas.

Abstract: An apparatus rapidly reads out wavefront errors of an input wavefront and includes a holographic optical element (HOE), a position readout detector and a readout device. The HOE receives the input wavefront and includes a hologram of a particular wavefront recorded with reference waves, each defining a particular aberration coefficient. The position readout detector includes a plurality of position sensing devices (PSDs) receiving an optical output of the HOE, each PSD sensing the occurrence and magnitude in the input wavefront of any of the particular aberrations defined by the reference waves recorded to the holographic optical element with the particular wavefront. The readout device provides a readout value of each PSD upon application of the input wavefront to the holograph optical element, each readout value representing in the input wavefront the presence and magnitude of any of the particular aberrations defined by the reference waves.

Abstract: Methods and systems for quantitative image quality assessment of an imaging system, such as an in vessel visual inspection system, having a target, an image capture device and a computer. The target includes one or more image features with varying spatial resolutions and predetermined spatial frequencies. The image capture device is configured to capture an image of the target. The computer includes a processor, a memory, and computer executable instructions. The computer is configured to receive the captured image, prepare one or more intensity profiles across the captured image responsive to the predetermined spatial frequencies, and determine a modulation transfer function responsive to the one or more intensity profiles.

Abstract: Image-based, monochromatic, wavefront sensing for alignment of the segmented aperture of a telescope can produce segments which are misaligned by multiples of the center wavelength, ?. The phenomenon is well-known and it is called “piston ambiguity” [1]. We call such a misalignment a “piston wrap.” A segmented array, perfectly aligned except for piston wraps, will have perfect imaging at wavelength ? but will have degraded imaging at other wavelengths. The present method detects and corrects piston wraps by making image-based measurements at a second wavelength ?1. These measurements will produce an image of the piston-wrapped segments and the intensities of these segments are linearly related to the size of the piston wraps at wavelength ?. The method needs no additional equipment like inter-segment apertures, lenslets, and detectors. It needs only a narrowband filter to change the measurement wavelength from ? to ?1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement method of measuring a light beam wavefront formed by a measurement target object using a measurement apparatus which includes an optical system having a reference surface and a detection unit having a detection surface, and detects, by the detection unit, an interference pattern, between a test light beam from one of the measurement target object and a standard surface and a reference light beam from the reference surface, formed on the detection surface by the optical system.

Abstract: A beam control system and method. The system includes an illuminator for providing a first beam of electromagnetic energy at a first wavelength; a source for providing a second beam of electromagnetic energy at a second wavelength; and an arrangement for compensating wavefront errors in the second beam using a bias representative of a comparison between the first wavelength and the second wavelength. In the illustrative embodiment, the arrangement includes a processor which corrects wavefront errors using a bias representative of a difference between said first wavelength and said second wavelength. In the disclosed application, a target wavefront sensor is included and the laser is a high-energy laser beam. The wavefront errors include a chromatic aberration and the errors are compensated using a deformable mirror and a correction algorithm executed by an adaptive optics processor. In one alternative embodiment, the errors are compensated using an optical aberration corrector.

Abstract: A differential curvature sensing device for measuring a wavefront curvature by employing increased spatial sampling for wavefront testing with mid-frequency error recovery. The device includes a sampling sensor having an output beam, an optical element to split said output beam, a lenslet array in the path of each beam to generate corresponding sampling grids, a shearing element for shifting the grid points in horizontal and vertical directions to produce plural sampling grids having plural grid points for use generating a spatial sampling grid having a density for mid-spatial frequency recovery. The displacement of the shifting less than a pitch size of the lenslet array, and a measuring device measuring plural slopes of plural wavefronts at each grid point to obtain a wavefront normal curvature and corresponding twist curvature terms to determine a principal curvature and directions. The sensor is a Shack-Hartman sensor, shearing interferometer sensor and other discrete-point sampling sensors.

Abstract: An optical wavefront control system by which the number of optical components or costs can be reduced. If an optical wavefront control system comprising an optical wavefront control section for controlling, in accordance with a wavefront control signal for controlling a phase of a wavefront of input light inputted and an aberration control signal for controlling an aberration of the input light inputted, the phase and the aberration and for outputting output light, a detection section for detecting optical information regarding a wavefront and an aberration of the output light inputted from the optical wavefront control section, and a control circuit section for outputting the wavefront control signal and the aberration control signal to the optical wavefront control section on the basis of the optical information detected by the detection section is used, the wavefront of the input light can be controlled and the aberration can be corrected.

Abstract: A device for phase distortion compensation across an optical beam is provided. The device is a part of an optical receiver, which can be used in free space optical communications, remote sensing, optical imaging and others. 2M inputs of the combiner interfere with each other via a system of tunable coupled waveguides. The phases in interleaved waveguides of the combiner are adjusted to maximize the resulting output signal. The combiner may be used for coherent communication in combination with a balanced 90° hybrid. Integrated solutions for the proposed device are provided.

Abstract: An adaptive optics system comprises a beamsplitter configured to divide an incoming beam with an aberrated wave front into a first input beam and a second input beam, a microelectromechanical system configured to reflect the first input beam onto an image plane, and a self-reference wave front generator configured to spatially filter the second input beam to form a reference beam, and to interfere the reference beam with the first input beam on the image plane to form a hologram. The system further comprises an imaging device configured to capture an image of the hologram on the image plane, and one or more processors.

Abstract: A wave front control system (“WFCS”) organizes the object scene into a mosaic comprised of a grid of segments and transmits each segment in a temporal sequence. The WFCS steers the light fronts emanating from each segment one segment at a time, through a series of optical components that transmit the light fronts respectively emanating from each segment onto a digital imaging sensor. An optical recording device records each sensed segment, and the object scene is composed by assembling the recorded segments. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, and is intended to allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.

Abstract: An optical beam combiner is provided, which allows efficient collection of light for various applications: non-line of sight and free space optical communications, remote sensing, optical imaging and others. A multitude of optical beam portions is captured by a space diversity receiver that includes an optical beam combiner, which has a tree-like topology with interconnected waveguides, electro-optic phase shifters, and directional couplers. For each of the beam portions the phase of the phase shifter and the coupling ratio of coupler in the optical beam combiner are tuned sequentially to maximize the final output power in the final optical waveguide. A portion of the final output beam is used for the power detection and forming a feedback signal for the phases and coupling ratios adjustment. The data or information is recovered from the received final optical beam using coherent detection.

Abstract: Systems and methods reduce aberrations in a wavefront imaged by an optical system having a non-linear detector. A wavefront of electromagnetic radiation from an object imaged to the non-linear detector is encoded. Data from the non-linear detector is digitally converted to form a digital representation of the image captured by the non-linear detector. The detected image is linearized to form a linearized image. The linearized image is filtered to reverse effects of wavefront coding to form a final image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coherent beam combination of lasers are provided. In one embodiment, a method for coherent beam combination is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of secondary laser signals from a primary laser signal, amplifying the plurality of secondary signals along respective amplifier arms to provide a plurality of amplified output signals, providing a frequency-shifted reference beam from the primary laser signal, generating a plurality of optically heterodyne detected (OHD) beat signals based on combining respective amplified output signals of the plurality of amplified output signals with the frequency-shifted reference beam, and adjusting path lengths of respective amplifier arms based on respective amplitudes of the plurality of OHD beat signals to control the path length of respective amplifier arms to within a coherence length of the primary laser signal.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging one or more objects in the presence of unknown phase and amplitude aberrations is described. Multiple images are collected so as to have measurement diversity and processed using a model-based approach to estimate the aberrations. An incoherent imaging model may be constructed to estimate the dependence of the imagery upon the object and the optical system, including the aberrations. A probability density function may then be calculated using the estimated model. Next, a maximum-likelihood estimate may be calculated and optimized, thus yielding a close approximation of the phase and amplitude aberrations. The estimates may then be used to estimate an image of the object or correct the system for future imaging.

Abstract: A combination for use in optical trapping is provided, comprising, in series: an adaptable reflective optical element for sculpting a laser beam to produce a sculpted beam; a beam splitter for splitting the sculpted beam into a first and a second sculpted beam; a micro lens array for dividing the first sculpted beam into an array of beamlets to produce a plurality of focal points; relay optics; and a focusing lens; and, in parallel: a wavefront curvature sensing device for accepting and analyzing the second sculpted beam, and reporting to a computer.

Abstract: A differential Shack-Hartmann curvature sensor for measuring a curvature including principal curvatures and directions of a wavefront. The curvature sensor includes a Shack-Hartmann sensor with an input beam and an optical element to split said input beam into three output beams traveling in different directions. Three lenslet arrays in each of the three beam paths produce corresponding Hartmann grids. A shearing device shears two of the three Hartmann grids in two perpendicular directions a differential difference. A measuring device measures the Hartmann grid coordinates generated by said three beams to determine various curvatures of the wavefront at each of the Hartmann grid points.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersion-force-based actuation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a light beam is used to change the dispersion force between two spaced apart surfaces. The change in the dispersion force causes a change in the gap between the surfaces. The actuation system can be used in conjunction with a deformable mirror to provide an improved adaptive optics system.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersion-force-based actuation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a light beam is used to change the dispersion force between two spaced apart surfaces. The change in the dispersion force causes a change in the gap between the surfaces. The actuation system can be used in conjunction with a deformable mirror to provide an improved adaptive optics system.

Abstract: A phased-array light telescope includes at least two non-obscured light subtelescopes. Each of the light subtelescopes is aimed along a common boresight. The phased-array light telescope further includes a non-obscured combining imager that receives and combines the output beams of the light subtelescopes.

Abstract: A method that redistributes light from a light source. The controller can redistribute light to make an irradiance profile of the light source more uniform or make the irradiance profile match a fluid flow profile. The irradiance profile may be controlled by modifying light leakage from a plurality of waveguides or changing the light-directing properties of reflectors and/or lenses.

Abstract: A holographic adaptive optic system for correcting the wavefront of a light. A phase correction device with a plurality of pixels in the path of the light. A holographic wavefront sensor in the path providing a pair of reconstruction beams for each phase correction device pixel. The relative intensity of the two beams being proportional to the amount of aberration present in the initial beam. A detector that measures the relative intensity of the pair of reconstructed beams. The detector connected by at least one individual control connector to the relevant pixel in the phase correction device. The individual control connectors controlling the phase correction device based upon the relative intensity between the two reconstruction beams to reduce the wavefront aberration.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides a dynamic interconnection system which allows to couple a pair of optical beams carrying modulation information. In accordance with the disclosed technology, two optical beams emanate from transceivers at two different locations. Each beam may not see the other beam point of origin (non-line-of-sight link), but both beams can see a third platform that contains the system of the disclosed technology. Each beam incident on the interconnection system is directed into the reverse direction of the other, so that each transceiver will detect the beam which emanated from the other transceiver. The system dynamically compensates for propagation distortions preferably using closed-loop optical devices, while preserving the information encoded on each beam.

Abstract: A plurality of pupil relays are configured to optically overlay a generally corresponding plurality of control points, so as to facilitate alignment of a laser beam with respect to a plurality of optical components, such as a system entrance pupil, a deformable mirror, a steering mirror, and a system exit pupil.

Abstract: A laser beam correction system and related methods of use and manufacture are provided. In one example, a laser beam correction system includes a mirror having a first surface and a second surface. An actuator comprising a piezoelectric ceramic disk and a plurality of conductive electrodes on substantially opposing sides of the disk is bonded to the second surface of the mirror. The actuator includes an aperture in a center portion. A wave-front sensor is adapted to measure optical wave-front characteristics of a laser beam received by the mirror and provide electronic signals corresponding to the wave-front characteristics.

Abstract: A laser beam correction system and related methods of use and manufacture are provided. In one example, a laser beam correction system includes a mirror having a first surface and a second surface. An actuator comprising a piezoelectric ceramic disk and a plurality of conductive electrodes on substantially opposing sides of the disk is bonded to the second surface of the mirror. The actuator includes an aperture in a center portion. A wave-front sensor is adapted to measure optical wave-front characteristics of a laser beam received by the mirror and provide electronic signals corresponding to the wave-front characteristics.

Abstract: A free-space adaptive optical laser communication system having signal transmission and reception channels at all terminals in the communication system, wherein wavefront sensing (WFS) and wavefront correction mechanisms are employed along signal transmission and reception channels of all terminals in the communication system (i.e. adaptive optics) to improve the condition of the laser beam at the receiver (i.e. reduce the size of the spot a the detector plane). in the illustrative embodiment, the WFS mechanisms employ a novel WFS control process, in which active updating of reference positions and subaperture locations on the wavefront sensor. These WFS mechanism can be used in diverse application environments, including but not limited to FSO laser communication systems.

Abstract: An imaging system for reducing aberrations from an intervening medium, and an associated method of use are provided. The system may be an optical or task-based optical imaging system including optics, such as a phase mask, for imaging a wavefront of the system to an intermediate image and modifying phase of the wavefront such that an optical transfer function of the system is substantially invariant to focus-related aberrations from the medium. A detector detects the intermediate image, which is further processed by a decoder, removing phase effects from the optics and forming a final image substantially clear of the aberrations. Other systems may employ an encoder that codes wavefronts of acoustical waves propagating through a medium to make the wavefronts substantially invariant to acoustical aberrations from the medium. Imaging and decoding of the wavefronts reverse effects of the wavefront coding and produce sounds substantially free of the aberrations.

Abstract: A sequential wavefront sensor comprises a light beam scanning module, a sub-wavefront focusing lens, a detector with more than one photosensitive area and a processor for calculating the sequentially obtained centroids of a number focused light spots from the sub-wavefronts to determine the aberration of the input wavefront. A sequential wavefront sensing method comprises the steps of; sequentially projecting a number of sub-wavefronts onto a sub-wavefront focusing lens and a detector with more than one photosensitive areas, calculating the centroid of the focused light spot from each sub-wavefront, and processing the centroid information to determine the aberration of the wavefront.

Abstract: A new way of mixing instrumental and digital means is described for the general field of wave front sensing. The present invention describes the use, the definition and the utility of digital operators, called digital wave front operators (DWFO) or digital lenses (DL), specifically designed for the digital processing of wave fronts defined in amplitude and phase. DWFO are of particular interest for correcting undesired wave front deformations induced by instrumental defects or experimental errors. DWFO may be defined using a mathematical model, e.g. a polynomial function, which involves coefficients. The present invention describes automated and semi-automated procedures for calibrating or adjusting the values of these coefficients. These procedures are based on the fitting of mathematical models on reference data extracted from specific regions of a wave front called reference areas, which are characterized by the fact that specimen contributions are a priori known in reference areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for of measuring amplitude and phase variations in a spatially coherent beam of light. A beam of coherent light is made incident upon a spatial array of phase modulating elements displaying a pixellated first phase distribution. In a measuring region of said spatial array, the phase distribution is changed to a new value while retaining the first phase distribution outside the measuring region, for example by flashing a single pixel. The change in intensity resulting from the change in phase distribution is then determined.

Abstract: A free-space adaptive optical laser communication system having signal transmission and reception channels at all terminals in the communication system, wherein wavefront sensing and wavefront correction mechanisms are employed along signal transmission and reception channels of all terminals in the communication system (i.e. adaptive optics) to improve the condition of the laser beam at the receiver (i.e. reduce the size of the spot the detector plane). Speckle-to-receiver-aperture tracking mechanisms are employed in the transmission channel of the communication system and laser beam speckle tracking mechanism in the reception channels thereof, so as to achieve a first level of optical signal intensity stabilization at signal detector of each receiving channel.

Abstract: In an adaptive optics module, wavefront sensing and data detection are implemented in a single device. For example, an optical-to-electrical converter converts a data-encoded optical beam to an intermediate electrical signal, which contains both the data encoded in the beam and also wavefront information about the beam. The data and wavefront information are later separated, for example by frequency filtering.

Abstract: An incoming laser beam is relayed to a steering mirror and a phase correction device. The beam is relayed from the phase correction device to a focal plane array and to a wavefront sensor (WFS). Low order steering mirror tilt corrections can be based on data from the focal plane array. The WFS outputs data on multiple channels to a field programmable gate array (FPGA), with each of the WFS channels corresponding to a subaperture of the beam wavefront. The FPGA calculates phase corrections for each of the subapertures and forwards those corrections to the phase correction device. The FPGA also calculates tilts for the steering mirror based on the WFS output data, which tilts can be used instead of tilts based on focal plane array data. The phase corrections may be based on modulo 2? phase error calculations and/or modal phase error calculations.