Study on the optimal Zernike order in the phase parameterization for global phase retrieval algorithm

Abstract

Phase retrieval algorithm is an effective method to reconstruct the surface distortions for reflector antennas. As the traditional Fourier iterative algorithms usually stagnate at local minima, we previously proposed a global phase retrieval algorithm, named CMAES-HIO, based on the hybridization of hybrid-input-output algorithm and covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy. We address the problem of selection of the Zernike order used in the phase parameterization for CMAES-HIO algorithm in this paper. By introducing a hybrid evaluation parameter, which combines the algorithm accuracy and time consumption, we utilize the Monte-Carlo method to simulate the algorithm performance under different random surface distortions. Simulation results show that for an unknown surface distortion, a Zernike order of 5 or 6 is probably the optimum for the comprehensive algorithm performance with respect to time and accuracy.