HALOS: fast compact, autonomous adaptive optics for UAVs

摘要

We present an adaptive optics system which uses a multiplexed hologram to deconvolve the phase aberrations in an input beam. The wavefront characterization is extremely fast as it is based on simple measurements of the intensity of focal spots and does not require any complex calculations. Furthermore, the system does not require a computer in the loop and is thus much cheaper, more compact and more robust as well. A fully functional, closed-loop prototype incorporating a 32-element MEMS mirror has been constructed. The unit has a footprint no larger than a laptop but runs at bandwidths over an order of magnitude faster than comparable, conventional systems occupying a significantly larger volume. Additionally, since the sensing is based on parallel, all-optical processing, the speed is independent of actuator number -running at the same bandwidth for one actuator as for a million.