Phase retrieval of a Kolmogorov phase screen from very sparse data using four binary masks

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Wavefront Sensing
• Phase Retrieval

Background:

• Kolmogorov phase screens are crucial in adaptive optics.
• Accurate phase retrieval is essential for optical system performance.
• Sparse data acquisition presents challenges in phase retrieval.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally validate phase retrieval of a Kolmogorov phase screen using amplitude modulation.
• To assess the effectiveness of sparse data in phase retrieval.
• To compare experimental results with ground truth measurements.

Main Methods:

• Amplitude modulation of the phase screen using four binary masks.
• Experimental setup for phase retrieval.
• Comparison of retrieved phase with surface profiler measurements.

Main Results:

• Successful experimental phase retrieval of a Kolmogorov phase screen.
• Root-mean-square error reduced from 0.14 µm to 0.10 µm after ground truth subtraction.
• Demonstrated feasibility of phase retrieval with very sparse data.

Conclusions:

• Simple amplitude modulation is effective for phase retrieval.
• Kolmogorov phase screens can be recovered from sparse data.
• The experimental method shows promise for practical applications.