Simultaneous realisation of zonal and modal wavefront sensing using programmable multiplexed grating patterns

In the present work, we propose a programmable multiplexed grating-based wavefront sensor (MGWS) to realise zonal and modal wavefront sensing approaches simultaneously. This is implemented by employing different bit-planes of a color image such that zonal wavefront sensing is performed with enhanced spatial resolution and modal wavefront sensing is performed to measure a large number of aberration modes present in the incident wavefront, simultaneously. We present proof-of-concept simulation results that demonstrate the working of the proposed MGWS and its ability to compensate for the presence of large number of aberration modes significantly, in comparison to either of the sensing approaches when used independently. Further, simulation results are included to quantify the same by considering an optical imaging system to image an array of two-dimensional bead objects. The proposed sensor is flexible in easy switching between either of the sensing approaches and the number of bit-planes can be increased conveniently to further improve the performance of the proposed MGWS.