Holographic correction of large telescope primaries by proximal, off-axis beacons

Compact telescope configurations incorporating a holographic correction of large, low-quality primary collectors are demonstrated. Aberration correction is demonstrated with an off-axis laser beacon located close to the primary. This arrangement results in a compact telescope with minimum obscuration. The reduction of additional off-axis aberrations introduced by the method is also demonstrated. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America