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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
As part of the FY17 CIF effort, we have developed a novel method that uses a set of unknown random correlated pupil plane aberrations to obtain a high accuracy estimate of wavefront errors in an optical system.
Our proposed method uses a deformable mirror (DM) or any other source of random optical wavefront modulation (such as atmospheric turbulence) in an optical system to provide a high accuracy estimation of wavefront aberrations. Our solution does not require any additional optical elements and is free from non-common optical path errors. This benefit is especially important for exoplanet imaging space missions, because it allows us to simplify the layout of the coronagraph and improves the accuracy of the coronagraph model.
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