In order to correct wave front distortions, a technique has been developed based on adaptive optics used in a pre- compensation configuration. The system consists of a wave front sensor and an optically driven liquid crystal Spatial Light Modulator as a wave front corrector. The main advantage of the sensor is its ability to detect phase deformation of several tens of wavelengths with an accuracy around (lambda) /10. This approach appears to be a good candidate for phase shaping ultra-intense laser system exhibiting strong wave front distortions. The use of a optically addressed single large liquid crystal cell covering the entire beam aperture makes this device diffraction free. The choice of a pre-compensation geometry is discussed and preliminary results are presented.

Date Published: 8 December 1997
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 3047, Solid State Lasers for Application to Inertial Confinement Fusion: Second Annual International Conference, (8 December 1997); doi: 10.1117/12.294309

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3047:
Solid State Lasers for Application to Inertial Confinement Fusion: Second Annual International Conference
Michel L. Andre, Editor(s)