Shack–Hartmann sensor as a universal instrument for measuring optical wave fluctuations

Subject of study. The functional capabilities of a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor (SH–WFS) are analyzed. Aim of study. The aim is to compare the experimental results obtained by applying SH–WFSs to various problems in atmospheric optics: a classical wavefront (WF) sensor installed on horizontal atmospheric paths under laser radiation; a correlation WF sensor mounted on the Large Solar Vacuum Telescope at Listvyanka, Russia, when forming images of extended objects through atmospheric turbulence; and modified WF sensors used to analyze the state of atmospheric turbulence. Method. Various applications of the SH–WFSs are described, and the measurement results are presented. Main results. Data on the operation of the SH–WFSs in different atmospheric paths are acquired using several microlens arrays of variable dimensions; these arrays facilitate sensor operation under varying atmospheric turbulence. Practical significance. The results obtained can be applied in the development of adaptive optics systems and investigations of atmospheric turbulence along the propagation path of optical radiation.