Comparison of control algorithms for a MEMS-based adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope

We compared four algorithms for controlling a MEMS deformable mirror of an adaptive optics (AO) scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Interferometer measurements of the static nonlinear response of the deformable mirror were used to form an equivalent linear model of the AO system so that the classic integrator plus wavefront reconstructor type controller can be implemented. The algorithms differ only in the design of the wavefront reconstructor. The comparisons were made for two eyes (two individuals) via a series of imaging sessions. All four controllers performed similarly according to estimated residual wavefront error not reflecting the actual image quality observed. A metric based on mean image intensity did consistently reflect the qualitative observations of retinal image quality. Based on this metric, the controller most effective for suppressing the least significant modes of the deformable mirror performed the best.