A Benchtop Complex Wavefront Manipulator for Evaluating PSF Engineering

This research focuses on constructing a wavefront manipulation benchtop system. The primary goal is to replicate a hologram reconstruction method using a two-phase or two-pass modulation system with a spatial light modulator (SLM). The ability to precisely manipulate phase and amplitude is beneficial for simulating complex optical scenarios and enhancing astronomical observations. The chosen system allows independent control over spatial amplitude and phase distributions, improving wavefront manipulation capabilities. This precise control can be applicable across scientific, industrial, and defense sectors, enabling improved image quality and detailed analysis of low-intensity objects, a common challenge in astronomical observations and space surveillance. By constructing this benchtop setup, the research aims to create a scalable, hardware-based wavefront manipulation tool, capable of simulating various optical phenomena with high precision, offering significant potential for enhancing the observation of space objects and atmospheric conditions. The study addresses the technical challenges involved in constructing a wavefront manipulation benchtop tool for phase and amplitude modulation.