The Strehl Ratio in Adaptive Optics Images: Statistics and Estimation

TL;DR

This paper investigates the statistical distribution of the Strehl ratio in adaptive optics images, especially at the central point, proposing a non-central Gamma model as an improvement over the traditional Rician distribution.

Contribution

It introduces a new non-central Gamma distribution model for the central point in adaptive optics images, addressing limitations of the Rician model at high correction levels.

Findings

Central point distribution better modeled by non-central Gamma

Rician distribution is inadequate for high correction levels

Improved understanding of Strehl ratio statistics

Abstract

Statistical properties of the intensity in adaptive optics images are usually modeled with a Rician distribution. We study the central point of the image, where this model is inappropriate for high to very high correction levels. The central point is an important problem because it gives the Strehl ratio distribution. We show that the central point distribution can be modeled using a non-central Gamma distribution.