Intensity adaptive optics

TL;DR

This paper introduces intensity adaptive optics (I-AO), a novel approach that corrects intensity errors in optical systems using a dual-feedback loop, enhancing focus quality and expanding adaptive optics capabilities.

Contribution

The paper presents a new I-AO method capable of sensor-based and sensorless correction of intensity errors, addressing a gap in current adaptive optics technologies.

Findings

I-AO effectively improves focus quality in aberrated systems.

The dual-feedback loop successfully corrects non-uniform intensity and energy loss.

Feasibility demonstrated through quantitative analysis.

Abstract

Adaptive optics (AO) is a powerful tool employed across various research fields, from aerospace to microscopy. Traditionally, AO has focused on correcting optical phase aberrations, with recent advances extending to polarisation compensation. However, intensity errors are also prevalent in optical systems, yet effective correction methods are still in their infancy. Here, we introduce a novel AO approach, termed intensity adaptive optics (I-AO), which employs a dual-feedback loop mechanism to first address non-uniform intensity distribution and subsequently compensate for energy loss at the pupil plane. We demonstrate that I-AO can operate in both sensor-based and sensorless formats and validate its feasibility by quantitatively analysing the focus quality of an aberrated system. This technique expands the AO toolkit, paving the way for next-generation AO technology.