Method and apparatus for correcting optical aberrations using a deformable mirror

A method for correcting optical aberrations in an optical device comprising:

• (a) positioning an adaptive optical system in or close to a pupil plane, wherein the adaptive optical system includes at least one adaptive optical element, the adaptive optical element comprising a deformable mirror having a variable thickness and a single actuator configured to deform the deformable mirror;
• (b) configuring the adaptive optical element to correct optical aberrations at a first depth of focus within a sample;
• and
• (c) reconfiguring the adaptive optical element to correct optical aberrations at a second depth within the sample, the second depth being different from the first depth,
• wherein at least one of the configuring the adaptive optical element and the reconfiguring the adaptive optical element includes applying a substantially uniform radially-inward compressive force to the deformable mirror via a single circumferential element positioned around a periphery of the deformable mirror.