The principles and concepts of a wave-front analyzer based on spot edge scanning techniques and rising and falling illuminance slope comparisons are reviewed. An analyzer implementing these techniques and designed to be used with an adaptive optics element for the real time correction of low order aberrations is described. An evaluation of the tilt output channels of the analyzer shows a linear operating range exceeding ±500 µrad, frequency response exceeding 250 Hz, and a noise equivalent tilt angle of 4 µrad. For the focus and astigmatism channels, the analyzer output is linear over an ~2.5–3 µm range of aberration input for a diffraction-limited (DL) spot. The instrument gain falls from ~8.5 V/µm for a 1 × DL spot to ~4 V/µm for a 6 × DL spot. The noise equivalent aberration increases from 0.025µm for a 1 × DL spot to ~0.05 µm fora 6 × DL spot.

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Citation lists with outbound citation links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Article level metrics are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription