Sample interview questions: Have you worked with adaptive optics or wavefront shaping techniques?
Sample answer:
Yes, I have extensive experience working with adaptive optics and wavefront shaping techniques in the field of optics. Adaptive optics is a technology used to improve the performance of optical systems by compensating for the effects of optical aberrations caused by atmospheric turbulence or imperfections in the optical components. It involves measuring the wavefront distortions using wavefront sensors and then correcting them in real-time using deformable mirrors or other optical elements.
As an optics physicist, I have worked on several projects involving adaptive optics. One of the projects focused on developing adaptive optics systems for astronomical telescopes. These systems are crucial for obtaining high-resolution images of celestial objects by compensating for the atmospheric turbulence that causes image blurring. I was involved in the design and implementation of the wavefront sensors and deformable mirrors used in these systems, as well as the development of control algorithms to optimize the correction process.
In addition to astronomical applications, adaptive optics also find applications in ophthalmology for improving the quality of retinal imaging. I have worked on projects where adaptive optics was used to correct the aberrations in the human eye, enabling high-resolution imaging of the retina and improving the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions.
Wavefront shaping techniques, on the other hand, involve manipulating the spatial profile of light waves to achieve desired optical properties. This can be done by using spatial light modulators (SLMs) or other phase-shifting elements… Read full answer