Dynamic wave-front generation for the characterization and testing of optical systems

We describe a simple method for generating known optical aberrations dynami cally, using a ferroelectric liquid-crystal spatial light modulator. Aberra tions inherent in the optical system are measured and corrected, and as an example Kolmogorov turbulence is simulated far aperture sizes Dire from 0 t o 30, Varying at frame rates up to 2.5 kHz. A measure of wave-front generat ion efficiency is introduced and is shown to be better than 86% for Kolmogo rov phase screens with Dire in the range from 0 to 30. (C) 1998 Optical Soc iety of America.