Optimization of focusing through scattering media using the continuous sequential algorithm

The ability to control the propagation of light through scattering media is essential for atmospheric optics, astronomy, biomedical imaging, and remote sensing. The optimization of focusing light through a scattering medium is of particular interest for the case of highly scattering materials. Optical wavefront beam-shaping plays a critical role in optimizing such a propagation; however, an enormous field of adjustable parameters makes the overall task complicated. Here, we propose and experimentally evaluate several variations on the standard continuous sequential algorithm (CSA) that hold a promise of revealing new, faster, and more efficient optimization algorithms for selecting an optical wavefront to focus light through a scattering medium. We demonstrate that the order in which pixels are chosen in the CSA can lead to a two-fold decrease in the number of iterations required to reach a given enhancement.