Focused Delivery of Laser Energy to the Eye Using Adaptive Optics

Iris AO proposes to manufacture and deliver an adaptive-optics (AO) retinal imager and light delivery system for evaluating laser safety and damage mechanisms. The system will achieve cellular-level 3-D high resolution imaging while delivering diffraction limited laser pulses to a living eye by using AO to correct for optical aberrations. Additionally, wide-angle fundus imaging and retinal tracking will be included in a compact system that meets all performance, size, and cost requirements. Building on the successful proof of feasibility and detailed design of Phase I, Phase II will entail building, testing, and delivering a fully operational system to the Air Force. Iris AO’s unique combination of proven AO retinal-imaging expertise and superior microelectromechanical (MEMS) deformable-mirror technology will lead to unprecedented performance not available today. The user friendly, versatile system will allow investigation across a wide range of optical wavelengths as well as both animal and human subjects with only minor adjustments. This will allow widespread use for a host of biomedical imaging and surgery applications.