Adaptive Optics Using A Liquid Crystal Phase Modulator in Conjunction With a Shack-Hartmann Wave-Front Sensor

Multi-segment spatial light modulators (SLM) have recently received much attention for use in adaptive optics applications.1 These devices have the advantage that they are compact, light weight, and less expensive than deformable mirrors. They can also be used in transmission. These attributes make them desirable for use in many applications including those not associated with astronomy. At present the devices are some what slow; however, it is envisioned that their speed will be increased considerably in the near future.