Control algorithms for dual-wavefront sensor single-conjugate adaptive optics

TL;DR

This paper develops control algorithms to enhance adaptive optics systems with focal-plane wavefront sensors, effectively correcting non-common path aberrations and improving direct exoplanet imaging capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces novel control algorithms that integrate focal-plane wavefront sensors into existing AO systems, reducing complexity and improving aberration correction.

Findings

Mitigation of NCP aberrations through temporal filtering

Validation of controller stability and performance in frequency and time domains

Discussion on the optimality of the proposed controllers

Abstract

High-contrast imaging systems using active control with adaptive optics (AO) are often limited by non-common path (NCP) aberrations that are seen only at the final science image. AO systems employing focal-plane wavefront sensors (FP-WFSs) are able to simultaneously correct NCP aberrations and measure science images, but they typically require a second stage of control that adds system cost and complexity. We present control algorithms to augment AO systems with FP-WFSs within their existing control setup. We demonstrate inter-arm NCP aberration transfer can be mitigated through temporal filtering, present frequency- and time-domain validation of controller stability and performance, and discuss the optimality of the chosen controllers. This work will enable the development, testing, and installation of FP-WFS technologies for direct imaging of exoplanets.