title: Reconstruction-free sensitive wavefront sensor based on continuous position sensitive detectors.
abstract: We propose a new device that is able to perform highly sensitive wavefront measurements based on the use of continuous position sensitive detectors and without resorting to any reconstruction process. We demonstrate experimentally its ability to measure small wavefront distortions through the characterization of pump-induced refractive index changes in laser material. In addition, it is shown using computer-generated holograms that this device can detect phase discontinuities as well as improve the quality of sharp phase variations measurements. Results are compared to reference Shack-Hartmann measurements, and dramatic enhancements are obtained.
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Godin
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Fromager
authors: Emmanuel
authors: E
authors: Cagniot
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Brunel
authors: Kamel
authors: K
authors: Aït-Ameur
mesh_terms: D019781:Corneal Topography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007834:Lasers; D007909:Lenses; D010783:Photometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014159:Transducers