Operator method for estimating the precision of distortion compensation by adaptive correction

An operator method for estimating the effectiveness of adaptive mirrors is proposed and developed. This method yields a simple mathematical expression for the minimum residual error in the compensation of wavefront distortions. The expression makes it possible to estimate rapidly the precision of distortion compensation in the case of any adaptive mirror and any wavefront without recourse to a computer. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by the example of a bimorph adaptive mirror.