Very low noise Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor for adaptive optics in the near-IR

Abstract

Near-Infrared wave front sensing allows to enhance sky coverage with adaptive optics. The recently developed HgCdTe avalanche photodiode arrays are promising, but still present an unperfect cosmetic. After the fine characterization of such a HgCdTe array, we propose a statistical model of the pixel response. Assuming the cosmetic is partially corrected, we simulate the impact of the residual error on a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor measurement. The study shows the operability of such a real time correction, and of the HgCdTe APD array characterized in this framework: the RAPID camera.