Noise analysis for complex field estimation using a self-referencing interferometer wave front sensor

A noise analysis is presented for complex field estimation using a self-referencing interferometer wave front sensor with an amplified reference. The wave front sensor is constructed from a phase-shifting, point diffraction interferometer. The reference field is created by coupling a part of the incident wave front into a single mode fiber where it is optically amplified. The noise characteristics of this wave front sensor are examined in terms of the field estimation Strehl. The effects of several system parameters are examined\nobreak—shot noise, read noise, quantization noise, spontaneous emission from the amplifier, the relative intensities of the signal and reference fields, and temporal phase shifting.

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