United Technologies Corporation

Carl G Witthoft

Allan Wirth

Lawrence E Schmutz

Bruce W Baran

Theresa L Bruno

An improved two-dimensional optical centroid processor ('OCP') wavefront sensor is described in which a scanning mirror 146 scans the wavefront of input light 130 to provide a scanned beam 148 (i.e. a portion of the wavefront). The scanned beam 148 is focused on an OCP 168 filter comprising four rows of mask cells. The filtered light emanating from the cells impinges on one-dimensional photodetector devices 192, 198, 202, 206 (i.e. photodetector rows). Thus, the scanning of the wavefront by the scanning mirror provides two-dimensional measurement while employing one-dimensional photodetector devices. Each of the photodetector devices provides an output to a ratio calculator 201 which is used to correct the tilt in the wavefront by driving a deformable mirror (not shown).

Two-dimensional OCP wavefront sensor employing one-dimensional optical

An improved optical centroid processor wavefront sensor is described in which an image is optically impinged on a plurality of mask arrays. A group of mask arrays, having a coarse dependant function, filters light onto corresponding photodetector arrays. The output of the photodetectors provide a coarse signal indicative of spot displacement over an increased tilt dynamic range. Another group of mask arrays, having a fine dependant function, filters light onto corresponding photodetector arrays. The output of the photodetectors provide a fine signal indicative of spot displacement with an increased accuracy. The coarse and fine signals may be employed by a deformable mirror to correct aberrations in a light beam wavefront.

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Acton, MA, United States of America

Carl G Witthoft