Hierarchical wave-front sensing.

We present a new wave-front sensing technique for adaptive optics based on use of several wave-front sensors dedicated to the sensing of a different range of spatial frequencies. We call it a hierarchical wave-front sensor. We present the concept of a hierarchical wave-front sensor and apply it to the Shack-Hartmann sensor.

Optimal control law for classical and multiconjugate adaptive optics.

Classical adaptive optics (AO) is now a widespread technique for high-resolution imaging with astronomical ground-based telescopes. It generally uses simple and efficient control algorithms. Multiconjugate adaptive optics (MCAO) is a more recent and very promising technique that should extend the corrected field of view.