Robust control system for a compact modular adaptive optics system

Abstract

Buiding a compact general-purpse adaptive optics system presents new challenges. By “compact” we mean a complete system less than 0.05 m 3 in volume that contains all optics and processing electronics. By “general-purpose” we mean a system that can be used in astronomy, in laser communications, and in commercial and military applications with only minimal modifications specific to the application. This necssarily requires a robust control system that can be easily set-up, calibrated, and run by a minimally-trained operator. Knowing that transport or installation of such a system can misalign some components, we built a control system to accommodate those errors in a fast reconstructor reconfiguruing algorithm. A robust H-infinity control is implemented for closed-loop operation. Results of computer simulations and a series of laboratory demonstrations are presented.