AOtools

AOtools provides a Python library for adaptive optics modelling and analysis, offering pupil- and focal-plane processing, wavefront sensor analysis, atmospheric turbulence and optical-propagation modelling, and unit conversions for adaptive optics and astronomical units.

Key Features:

• Adaptive optics processing: Analyze pupil-plane data to quantify wavefront distortions and process focal-plane images and point spread functions (PSFs).
• Wavefront sensor analysis: Process data from different types of wavefront sensors for aberration measurement and correction.
• Atmospheric turbulence modelling: Simulate and analyze atmospheric turbulence effects on optical system performance.
• Optical propagation modelling: Compute physical propagation of wavefronts through optical systems.
• Unit conversion utilities: Convert between commonly used adaptive optics and astronomical units.

Scientific Applications:

• Astronomical imaging: Correct atmospheric turbulence to improve resolution and PSFs in ground-based telescopic observations.
• Optical physics research: Analyze wavefronts, propagation, and aberrations in laboratory and theoretical studies.
• Simulation and analysis of AO systems: Simulate atmospheric conditions and optical propagation to evaluate adaptive optics system performance.

Methodology:

Processing of pupil-plane data; focal-plane image and PSF analysis; wavefront sensor processing; atmospheric turbulence modelling; physical wavefront propagation calculations; and unit conversion computations.