Wavefront Sensing and Adaptive Optics

This course provides a deep and practical exploration of wavefront sensing and adaptive optics (AO)—two cornerstone technologies for real-time correction of optical aberrations. Used in astronomy, microscopy, optical communication, and high-power laser systems, AO enables sharp imaging and precise beam control in dynamically distorted environments.

• Introduction to optical aberrations and wavefront distortion fundamentals
• Basics of wavefront sensing: phase vs. intensity measurements
• Shack–Hartmann sensors, curvature sensors, and interferometric methods
• Zernike polynomials and wavefront reconstruction techniques
• Deformable mirrors (DMs), spatial light modulators (SLMs), and actuator models
• Closed-loop vs. open-loop adaptive optics architectures
• Real-time control algorithms and latency considerations
• Atmospheric and underwater turbulence compensation strategies
• Applications in astronomy, microscopy, free-space optical communication, retinal imaging, and high-power laser systems
• Practical implementation issues, calibration, and performance evaluation

• Optical and photonics engineers working on imaging, sensing, or laser systems
• Free-space optical (FSO) and optical wireless communication researchers
• Astronomers and space technology specialists dealing with atmospheric distortion
• Biomedical optics and microscopy researchers
• Graduate students and academics in optics, photonics, and applied physics
• Defense and aerospace engineers involved in tracking and beam control systems
• AI/ML engineers interested in real-time control and adaptive optimization
• R&D professionals developing precision optical instrumentation and sensors