Optical detection of values of separate aberrations using a multi-channel filter matched with phase Zernike functions

The use of a multichannel wavefront sensor matched with phase Zernike functions to determine the type and magnitude of aberration in the analyzed wavefront is investigated. The approach is based on stepwise compensation of wavefront aberrations based on a dynamically tunable spatial light modulator. As criteria for successful detection, not only the magnitude of the correlation peak, but also the maximum intensity, compactness, and orientation of the distribution in each diffraction order are considered. On the basis of numerical simulation, the efficiency of the proposed approach is shown for detecting both weak and strong (up to a wavelength) wavefront aberrations.