Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors are simple but powerful devices for optical metrology. Their architecture is simply composed of a microlens array placed in front and a CCD or CMOS array. Wavefront sensors have replaced interferometers in many applications because they are easier to use. Here are five reasons to utilize Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors:
Compact Size
Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors are compact: they can be as small as the cameras you mount them on. You can place them on a laser beam or inside your optical set up to check the beam at particular locations.
Insensitive to Vibrations
Interferometers are susceptible to vibration. Their operating principle is based on a fringe pattern which relies on an extremely precise alignment. Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors are insensitive to vibrations.
Impressive Speed
Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors can be as fast as the cameras they are based on. Shack-Hartmann reconstruction algorithms are well known and fast.
This means it is possible to get quick or real-time feedback on your beam as you align the optics. It is even possible to measure a wavefront at several tens of KHz while still measuring with high accuracy. Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors regularly achieve these speeds when used in adaptive optics systems for astronomy or telecom applications.
Solid Reliability
Scientists and engineers have been using Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors for several decades. Thanks to years of use and improvements, the measurements they provide are extremely reliable.
Unlike other techniques, results will not depend on factors such as the pupil shape (donut, round, or square). Shack-Hartmann Wavefront sensors can also be calibrated to provide accuracy on large spectral bands and across a large dynamic range.
For example, the HASO SWIR from Imagine Optic will provide a Lambda/100 rms accuracy over the whole 900–1700 nm band even if an input beam is tilted, divergent, or convergent. The HASO4 BB will cover the whole 350–1100 nm band. This reliability means Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors are versatile devices that scientists and researchers can use for many applications in a lab.
Reasonable Cost
Thanks to their simple architecture and high performance, Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors have recently gone through democratization, resulting in greatly reduced costs.
These five reasons to use Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors summarize their benefits: enhancing optical system performance, reducing costs, and accelerating scientific investigation with high precision. Axiom Optics offers high-resolution Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors ideal for various applications. Check out our applications page for more information on Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors and their applications.