Multiconjugate adaptive optics applied to an anatomically accurate human eye model

Abstract

Aberrations of both astronomical telescopes and the human eye can be successfully corrected with conventional adaptive optics. This produces diffraction-limited imagery over a limited field of view called the isoplanatic patch. A new technique, known as multiconjugate adaptive optics, has been developed recently in astronomy to increase the size of this patch. The key is to model atmospheric turbulence as several flat, discrete layers. A human eye, however, has several curved, aspheric surfaces and a gradient index lens, complicating the task of correcting aberrations over a wide field of view. Here we utilize a computer model to determine the degree to which this technology may be applied to generate high resolution, wide-field retinal images, and discuss the considerations necessary for optimal use with the eye. The Liou and Brennan schematic eye simulates the aspheric surfaces and gradient index lens of real human eyes. We show that the size of the isoplanatic patch of the human eye is significantly increased through multiconjugate adaptive optics.

Population study of the variation in monochromatic aberrations of the normal human eye over the central visual field

“…This means that correction of ocular aberrations over extended field of view might require a larger number of DMs positioned at different optical conjugates than typical number (two DMs) used in astronomical telescopes. The recent work of Bedggood et al [31] confirms the limitation of MCAO approach.…”

Error budget analysis for an Adaptive Optics Optical Coherence Tomography System

“…Most of the error introduced by anisoplanatism should be measured by the WFS, so if there are unaccounted for errors in our final error budget anisoplanatism is a likely source. Anisoplanatism is difficult to reduce, but multi-conjugate adaptive optics shows promise [28, 29]. …”

Optical modelling of a supplementary tunable air-spaced goggle lens for rodent eye imaging

“…deformable mirror) is simulated by a thin phase plate conjugated to the anterior corneal surface [22], and described by 20 Zernike modes using the “Zernike standard phase” surface in Zemax. In order to fully appreciate the potential of the lens solution alternatives, a multi-conjugate adaptive optics (MCAO) [23] correction is tested by sequentially incrementing the number of mirror conjugations across the refractive bulk of the eye. In the 2 MCAO, the former single corrector is supplemented by a second mirror positioned near the retina (i.e., to a point 4.59mm inside the eye).…”