Sequential diversity imaging of extended sources

摘要

Sequential diversity imaging uses images from a video camera outfitted with an adaptive optic (AO) to improve the images of an extended object. Phase changes introduced by the AO provide the diversity. The technique estimates both the object and the time-varying wavefront introduced by the optical medium, including atmospheric distortion and changes in the camera. The wavefront estimate is used to control the AO and no other wavefront sensing mechanism is needed. We show computer simulations in which the imagery is improved by about a factor of three, provided that the AO changes are made about ten times faster than changes in the medium. Any camera with adaptive focus and digital processing could use the method.