Dynamic correction of severe aberrations by real-time holography using electro-optical devices and nonlinear optical media

Correction of large dynamic aberrations by real-time holography allows optical systems to be scaled to large apertures using lightweight, low-optical-quality optics. With this simple "all-optical" technique, it is possible to achieve correction of large aberrations without characterization of the aberrated optic. Practical application of this technique however requires a holographic recording medium with suitable speed, resolution, sensitivity and optical efficiency. Recent demonstrations using liquid-crystal-based electro-optical devices show dramatically increased performance over previous generation devices and suggest these real-time recording media may represent a practical solution for severe aberration compensation.