Wellenfrontfehlers

Wellenfrontfehlers, or wavefront errors, refer to deviations from an ideal, perfectly smooth wavefront of light. In optics, a wavefront is a surface representing points where a wave has the same phase. Ideally, for applications like imaging or laser systems, this wavefront should be planar or spherical with uniform curvature. Wellenfrontfehlers arise from imperfections in optical components such as mirrors, lenses, or even atmospheric turbulence. These imperfections can cause light rays to converge or diverge in an uncontrolled manner, leading to a degradation of the optical system's performance.

Common sources of Wellenfrontfehlers include manufacturing defects like surface irregularities, subsurface damage, and material inhomogeneities. Aberrations, which are a type of Wellenfrontfehler, describe systematic deviations from the ideal wavefront. Examples include spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism, and field curvature. These aberrations manifest as blurred images, reduced resolution, and distorted fields of view. Measuring and correcting Wellenfrontfehlers is crucial for achieving optimal performance in sensitive optical systems. Techniques such as interferometry and wavefront sensors are employed to quantify these errors, while adaptive optics systems can dynamically correct for them in real-time, particularly in astronomical observations affected by atmospheric distortion.