Wavefront correction using a self-referencing phase conjugation system based on a Zernike cell

A wavefront correction system was produced using a phase conjugating method based on a point diffraction interferometer, or Zernike cell. This has the main advantage that no separate reference beam is required. The PDI was constructed using an optically addressed liquid crystal spatial light modulator, which means that the system is also relatively easy to align, and insensitive to tip/tilt errors, We demonstrate phase correction of induced high spatial frequency aberrations, and show wavefront correction leading to a 3 x improvement in Strehl ratio. We also discuss the utility of the spatial light modulator as a common-path point diffraction interferometer (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.