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
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