ORCID

0009-0004-8019-6679

Keywords

wavefront sensing, metasurface, nonlocal, quantitative phase imaging

Abstract

Many laser applications require wavefront control to compensate for aberrations caused by system misalignment, component fabrication errors, and propagation through inhomogeneous atmospheres. Aberrations caused by atmospheric turbulence remain particularly challenging to measure due to the temporally fluctuating wavefront distortions and large transverse phase variations in the beam. Conventional wavefront sensors, like the Schack-Hartmann (SHWS) are effective at low turbulence levels, but require relatively bulky optical elements. This thesis investigates the use of metasurface optical elements for use in wavefront sensors both in the low-turbulence limit and in deep turbulence conditions. Such metasurface-based wavefront sensors can achieve the functionality of complex systems in a much more compact form factor, enabling significant reductions in size, weight and power (SWaP). In this work, we employ angular selective metasurfaces to realize compact, self-referencing interferometric wavefront sensors capable of operating under varying levels of atmospheric turbulence. Two techniques are demonstrated, (1) Quantitative Phase Contrast Imaging (QPCI) and (2) Point Diffraction Interferometry (PDI), both implemented without the need for active reference illumination. Detailed modeling using rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) is used to guide the metasurface design, ensuring that the amplitude and phase responses achieve the desired angular response for each technique. Practical considerations for fabrication and implementation are also discussed, emphasizing the trade-offs between angular selectivity, fabrication tolerances, and operating bandwidth. Finally, we evaluate the performance and limitations of each approach, identifying the operating regimes where metasurface-based QPCI and PDI provide the most significant improvement in wavefront sensing under turbulent conditions.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Pieter G. Kik

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0029848

Document Type

Thesis

Campus Location

UCF Online

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