Wellenfrontsensoren

Wellenfrontsensoren, also known as wavefront sensors, are optical devices used to measure the aberrations in a wavefront of light. These aberrations can arise from various sources, including atmospheric turbulence, optical misalignments, or imperfections in optical components. The primary function of a wavefront sensor is to provide feedback for adaptive optics systems, which can then correct these aberrations to improve the quality of the light.

There are several types of wavefront sensors, each with its own method of measuring the wavefront. One common type is the Shack-Hartmann sensor, which divides the incoming wavefront into an array of sub-apertures. Each sub-aperture focuses the light onto a detector, and the position of the spot on the detector is used to determine the local tilt of the wavefront. Another type is the curvature sensor, which measures the curvature of the wavefront by analyzing the interference pattern created when the wavefront is combined with a reference wavefront.

Wavefront sensors are widely used in astronomy, laser communications, and microscopy. In astronomy, they are used to correct for the distortions caused by the Earth's atmosphere, allowing telescopes to achieve higher resolution images. In laser communications, wavefront sensors help to maintain the alignment of the laser beam over long distances. In microscopy, they are used to improve the resolution of optical systems.

The development of wavefront sensors has been driven by the need for higher resolution and accuracy in optical systems. As technology advances, new types of wavefront sensors are being developed to meet the increasing demands of various applications.