Open AccessTunable liquid crystal cylindrical micro-optical array for aberration compensation
Author(s) -
José Francisco Algorri,
V. Urruchi,
N. Bennis,
José Manuel SánchezPena,
J. M. Otón
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.013899
Subject(s) - optics , wavefront , coma (optics) , refractive index , compensation (psychology) , liquid crystal , optical aberration , interference (communication) , materials science , zernike polynomials , astigmatism , spherical aberration , refraction , physics , computer science , lens (geology) , telecommunications , psychology , channel (broadcasting) , psychoanalysis
A tunable aberration compensation device for rectangular micro-optical systems is proposed and demonstrated. This device, which is based in nematic liquid crystal and a micro-electrode structure, forms gradients in the index of refraction as a function of voltage. We have developed a fringe skeletonizing application in order to extract the 3D wavefront from an interference pattern. This software tool obtains the optical aberrations using Chebyshev polynomials. By using phase shifted electrical signals the aberrations can be controlled independently. A complete independent control over the spherical and coma aberration has been demonstrated. Also, an independent control over the astigmatism aberration has been demonstrated in a broad range. This device has promising applications where aberration compensation is required. The independent compensation achieved for some coefficients, such as astigmatism for example, is more than 2.4 waves.