Wave-front control algorithms and analysis for a dense adaptive optics system with segmented deformable mirror

We present the development and analysis of wave-front control strategies for large-order adaptive optics systems that use a segmented deformable mirror as the correcting optical element. The system analyzed represents a substantial departure from most conventional adaptive optics systems in that the feedback signal includes both the local wave-front tilt and the relative edge mismatch between adjacent segments. One of the major challenges in designing the wave-front control system is the large number of segments that must be commanded. A fast and nearly optimal method based on the local slope and edge measurements is developed for this system. Fast algorithms offering a massive degree of parallelism are also developed to permit realtime implementation of the control strategies on commercially available, low-cost, parallel architectures. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America