TechnologyProven, Proprietary Curvature Adaptive Optics
AOptix founders were among the early pioneers in the field of Adaptive Optics for astronomy. Now in use for years at some of the largest telescopes on earth, the technology is field-proven to effectively compensate for atmospheric disturbances in near real-time.
Applying this deep understanding of optical image correction to at-a-distance iris recognition systems and free space optical (FSO) communications terminals, the tradition of innovation in Adaptive Optics technologies continues. Curvature deformable (or adaptive) mirrors, curvature wavefront sensors and associated high-speed controls are among some of the most unique product technology available in the world today. Some of the other technology solutions at which we excel include ultra fast optical tracking, bi-directional conjugated free space optics, narrow long-range beam focusing and seamless fiber optic connectivity.
The Adaptive Optics Advantage
The basic principle of Adaptive Optics is the real-time correction of wavefront aberrations or distortions that arise from atmospheric disturbances or object motion.
Generically, adaptive optics is defined as an optical system in which controllable and movable optical elements optimize the performance of the system in the presence of wavefront error. Imaging distortions from atmospheric disturbance or object motion are the typical sources of wavefront error. AO systems correct wavefront error in a high speed closed loop control system, resulting in highly responsive, dynamic optical performance improvements.
Wavefront error is continuously measured by a small array, ultra high speed camera known as a wavefront sensor, which in turn continuously feeds imaging information to a digital signal processor (DSP). The frame rate of the wavefront sensor is called the open loop bandwidth, which in the AOptix defense Lasercom products can operate as high as 30,000 Hz. The DSP, with its embedded proprietary algorithms, calculates the wavefront error and translates this error into correction functions for optical actuators, such as a deformable (or adaptive) mirror, or a fast steering mirror. 
The heart of AOptix’s solutions are its proprietary deformable mirrors, which can contain up to 37 different segments, thereby enabling correction of high order wavefront errors that arise in complex optical environments. These high order deformable mirrors, placed within the main optics path of a system, physically move in segments and are constructed of piezo electric materials, which themselves have response rates of up to 30,000 Hz. Lower order deformable mirrors can be constructed of glass. AOptix designs and manufactures all of its deformable mirrors.
AO Unleashes Stand-off Distance, Human Factors and Image Quality Breakthroughs in Iris Recognition
In iris recognition biometrics, Adaptive Optics technology brings high speed subject position compensation to long distance (or stand-off) iris biometric imaging, while adding tolerance for three dimensional subject motion. At the core of AOptix’s iris recognition system is an innovative multi-step control loop that automates subject acquisition. A wide area camera operating in the visible light range locates the subject within a very large capture volume. Then, the wavefront sensor determines the precise location of the subject's eye in both the X-Y dimensions (for centering of the image) and in the Z, or distance dimension, which translates to focus.
The high speed closed loop control ensures that the iris biometric image is always centered and focused, and provides tolerance of normal motion from the subject during the iris exposure. Wavefront sensing technology is capable of extracting 3D information from a two dimensional sensor, which means that centering and focus are simultaneously and continuously adjusted during the exposure. At long stand-off distances, ultra-fast and precise focus is the most difficult design challenge, and is solved elegantly by AOptix’s AO approach.
AO iris biometric images also exceed the modulation transfer function and spatial resolution requirements of established industry standards, resulting in capturing of highest quality iris images for outstanding accuracy in both identification and verification modes. The system also excels at capturing enrollment biometric images, the accuracy foundation for any large scale identification program.
The company holds key patents, issued and pending, covering the utilization of adaptive optics for iris recognition biometrics.
Laser Communications Now Overcomes Atmospheric Disturbances and Terminal Motion
In our commercial and defense communications solutions, AOptix patented technology delivers revolutionary improvements to FSO communications by correcting for the atmospheric turbulence and distortions found in long distance stationary and airborne applications. Real time correction improves incoming beam quality and outgoing beam power, dramatically increasing link budgets for high availability even in adverse weather conditions. The collimated beam shaping ensures efficient use of all available light, minimizing losses due to geometric divergence. Real time beam control with high speed closed loop tracking also compensates for building and tower sway, significant design challenges in commercial applications that are fully solved by Adaptive Optics.
The correction modes and speed of the proprietary Adaptive Optics technology compensates for aero-optical distortions in aviation applications, such as those introduced by turbulent boundary layers. This allows AOptix’s Lasercom systems to maintain reliable high-bandwidth wireless links in high speed air-to-air, or air-to-ground networks.
AOptix designs all critical adaptive optics components for its systems in-house, providing unsurpassed applications development capabilities.
