In this study we use a series of computational-wave-optics experiments to look at the statistics associated with speckle fields resulting from a tilted flat plate (i.e. one that is optically rough compared to the wavelength of plane-wave illumination). To help quantify the strength of the simulated speckle, we make use of the target Fresnel number. This parameter gives a gauge for the number of speckles across the receiver. The goal throughout is to show that, frame to frame, the analysis can appropriately simulate correlated speckle fields in terms of the magnitude of the complex degree of coherence as a function of tilt. The results show that the simulated speckle fields are properly correlated from frame to frame, and this outcome leads to the ability to perform closed-loop-phase-compensation studies in the presence of extended beacons. Such studies are becoming increasingly important for applications that involve imaging through turbulence.

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Derek J. Burrell, Noah R. Van Zandt, Mark F. Spencer, and Terry J. Brennan, "Wave-optics simulation of correlated speckle fields for use in closed-loop-phase-compensation studies," Proc. SPIE 10772, Unconventional and Indirect Imaging, Image Reconstruction, and Wavefront Sensing 2018, 1077207 (Presented at SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications: August 22, 2018; Published: 18 September 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2319868.