# Experimental validation of photonic lantern imaging and wavefront sensing performance

## TL;DR

This paper presents the design and initial laboratory testing of a photonic lantern-based wavefront sensing testbed, demonstrating throughput and linear wavefront reconstruction capabilities for various aberrations.

## Contribution

It introduces muirSEAL, a new testbed for evaluating photonic lantern wavefront sensing, and provides initial experimental validation of its performance.

## Key findings

- Successful throughput measurement at multiple f-numbers
- Linear wavefront reconstruction demonstrated for Zernike modes
- Initial imaging of a new photonic lantern fabricated at LLNL

## Abstract

Photonic lanterns (PLs) are fiber-based waveguides that are capable of focal-plane wavefront sensing while simultaneously directing light to downstream science instruments. The optimal choice of wavefront reconstruction algorithm has yet to be determined, and likely depends on the particular observing scenario under consideration. Previous work in simulation suggests that PLs can be used for nonlinear wavefront sensing for several applications, including sensing the low-wind effect and correcting large-amplitude aberrations. We present the design of muirSEAL (miniature IR SEAL), a testbed designed to test PL wavefront reconstruction over Zernike modes and segmented-mirror offsets. We demonstrate throughput and linear wavefront reconstruction at multiple f-numbers. We further present initial laboratory imaging of a new photonic lantern fabricated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.