Optical design simulation and testing of an addressable 64 x 64 liquid crystal phase plate

摘要

The correction of phase aberrations in optical systems using an adaptive liquid crystal phase screen having 64 $MUL 64 pixels is considered. These adaptive components have advantages over deformable mirror systems in that liquid crystal technology is relatively inexpensive and large pixelation densities can be achieved. In particular we address the application of these devices to astronomical adaptive optics. A simulator of the phase correction plate at work using time changing distorted wave fronts is described. Preliminary measurements of the optical flatness and response times of the prototype device are discussed.