Analog data processor

Abstract

Abstract An optical imaging system having the capability of detecting and eliminating in real-time phase distortions in a wavefront being imaged by the optical system. The resolution of ground based telescopes is severely limited by random wavefront phase changes and tilts produced by atmospheric turbulence. the disclosed system was designed to overcome this problem. In the disclosed system, an AC, lateral shearing interferometer measures in realtime the relative phase differences of the wavefront being imaged by the optical system. Phase differences measured by the shearing interferometer are directed to an analog data processor which, in combination with other circuitry, generates a plurality of electrical signals proportional to the required phase corrections at different areas of the wavefront. The electrical signals are applied to a phase corrector upon which the wavefront is incident to change the relative phase at various locations of the wavefront to achieve a wavefront in which the phase distortion is removed. In one embodiment the phase correction device consists of a mirror having an array of piezoelectric elements which function to selectively deform the mirror to correct phase distortions in the wavefront. In a second embodiment the phase correction device consists of a refractive device which has the capability of having its index of refraction selectively changed in different areas to correct phase distortions in the wavefront.

Inventors

• 👤 John W Hardy

Bibliographic Details