We have implemented a testbed to demonstrate wavefront sensing and control on an extended scene using Shack-Hartmann and MGS phase retrieval simultaneously. This dual approach allows for both high sensitivity and high dynamic range wavefront sensing. Aberrations are introduced by a silicon-membrane deformable mirror. The detailed characterization of this mirror and its sensitivity matrix are presented. The various Shack-Hartmann algorithms, including a maximum likelihood approach are discussed and compared to phase retrieval results using a point source. The next phase of the testbed will include results with extended scenes.

Date Published: 8 October 2005
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 5903, Astronomical Adaptive Optics Systems and Applications II, 59030I (8 October 2005); doi: 10.1117/12.627747

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5903:
Astronomical Adaptive Optics Systems and Applications II
Robert K. Tyson; Michael Lloyd-Hart, Editor(s)