Adaptive optics using an optofluidic deformable phase plate

Abstract: This thesis describes the realization of a new class of transmissive wavefront modulator, the Deformable Phase Plate (DPP). It is a highly-miniaturized two-dimensionally actuated optofluidic wavefront modulator. The technology allows the realization of an unprecedented refractive adaptive optics (AO) system supported by the implementation of a sensorless wavefront estimation algorithm and an open-loop control system.

The work in this thesis focuses on developing the DPP, combining the use of standard MEMS fabrication methods and a stretched polymer membrane. This allows for obtaining device characteristics that are comparable to state of the art deformable mirrors with relatively straightforward fabrication methods.

The DPP consists of 38 individually addressable electrodes, 9.5 mm free aperture diameter, and can be configured to an active best-flat of < 20 nm. It is able to make corrections within a range of approximately 3.5 µm (optical path length change). The DPP is operated using an open-loop optimization-based control method and can correct for up to the 5th Zernike radial order. Using a custom implementation of the modal sensorless wavefront estimation method, two completely refractive (inline) AO systems have been realized.

AO has been a significant technological development for astronomy, where it has become a staple over the past three decades. However, its adoption in other scientific fields has been slow. Even in microscopy, where the technology has particular proven benefits, adoption has been challenged by factors such as the need for expensive wavefront modulators, complex optical designs, and non-trivial integration in space-constrained setups. Addressing these challenges to enable widespread accessibility of AO was the general motivation of this thesis.

Looking beyond AO, the DPP is a new class of wavefront modulator that is transmissive and very compact, opening up unique possibilities to realize highly integrated miniaturized optical systems

Angaben zum Objekt

• Standort: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Umfang: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: Englisch
• Anmerkungen: Universität Freiburg, Dissertation, 2020

Klassifikation und Themen

• Schlagwort: Optics, Adaptive

Beteiligte, Orts- und Zeitangaben

• Ereignis: Veröffentlichung
• (wo): Freiburg
• (wer): Universität
• (wann): 2020
• Urheber: Banerjee, Kaustubh
• Beteiligte Personen und Organisationen: Zappe, Hans P. ; Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. Fakultät für Angewandte Wissenschaften

Weitere Informationen

• DOI: 10.6094/UNIFR/166870
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-1668700
• Rechteinformation: Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Letzte Aktualisierung: 14.08.2025, 10:54 MESZ