Correction of wavefront distortions by means of thermally adaptive optics

Authors
Luck, H Muller, KO Aufmuth, P Danzmann, K
Citation
H. Luck et al., Correction of wavefront distortions by means of thermally adaptive optics, OPT COMMUN, 175(4-6), 2000, pp. 275-287
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Apllied Physucs/Condensed Matter/Materiales Science","Optics & Acoustics
Journal title
OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN journal
00304018 → ACNP
Volume
175
Issue
4-6
Year of publication
2000
Pages
275 - 287
Database
ISI
SICI code
0030-4018(20000301)175:4-6<275:COWDBM>2.0.ZU;2-L
Abstract
A new method for the correction of wavefront distortions in laser interfero meters is proposed. In contrast to the usual adaptive correction, by means of piezoelectric actuators, a high power laser beam is used to control the thermal expansion of the optical elements. Since the correction is performe d without mechanically contacting the element, no additional mechanical noi se is introduced. Initial measurements on aluminium-coated mirrors show the feasibility of this 'thermally adaptive optics' method. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.