Real-time correction of atmospherically degraded telescope images through image sharpening

TLDR

Atmospheric distortion, caused by random phase variations across a telescope aperture, limits even large telescopes to about one arc‑second resolution, with maximum image sharpness achieved only when phase distortion is zero. The study introduces a new technique to correct atmospheric distortion in telescope images. Computer simulations of a simple feedback system using active optical elements that adjust to maximize sharpness correct most atmospheric distortion. Photon statistics limit the practical feedback system to objects as faint as sixth magnitude, yet it can resolve details smaller than 0.1 arc‑second and can be integrated into existing telescopes.

Abstract

We present a new technique for the correction of atmospheric distortion in telescope images. Most of this distortion arises from a random phase variation of the incoming light across the telescope aperture. This variation limits the resolving power of even large telescopes to about one arc second. If the sharpness of the images is defined in a suitable way, this sharpness is maximized only when the phase distortion of the incoming light is zero. We present computer simulations of a simple feedback system in which active optical elements, set to maximize the sharpness, correct most of the atmospheric distortion. Photon statistics set the limiting magnitude of the object for which a practical feedback system can work. Details in a sixth magnitude object smaller than 0.1 sec of arc should be resolvable. The system can be conveniently employed within existing telescopes.