The system includes a first polarizing element; an electro-optically driven birefringent
element; a second polarizing element; an optical assembly; and, an optical-to-electronic
imaging sensor assembly. The first polarizing element receives an incoming optical
wavefront and provides a linearly polarized output therefrom. The electro-optically
driven birefringent element receives the linearly polarized output and produces
two polarization eigenwaves, an output of the birefringent element being elliptically
polarized. The second polarizing element has a polarization axis perpendicular
to a polarization axis of the first polarizing element. The second polarizing element
receives the output from the birefringent element and provides a linearly polarized
output. The optical assembly receives the output of the second polarizing element
and forms a real image therefrom. The optical-to-electronic imaging sensor assembly
receives the real image and provides an electronic representation thereof, which
may be used for real-time reconstruction of the incoming wavefront.
