An adaptive optics approach for laser beam correction in turbulence utilizing a modified plenoptic camera

Jonathan Ko; Chensheng Wu; Christopher C. Davis

doi:10.1117/12.2191180

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4 September 2015 An adaptive optics approach for laser beam correction in turbulence utilizing a modified plenoptic camera

Jonathan Ko, Chensheng Wu, Christopher C. Davis

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Proceedings Volume 9614, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans IV; 96140I (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2191180
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2015, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Adaptive optics has been widely used in the field of astronomy to correct for atmospheric turbulence while viewing images of celestial bodies. The slightly distorted incoming wavefronts are typically sensed with a Shack-Hartmann sensor and then corrected with a deformable mirror. Although this approach has proven to be effective for astronomical purposes, a new approach must be developed when correcting for the deep turbulence experienced in ground to ground based optical systems. We propose the use of a modified plenoptic camera as a wavefront sensor capable of accurately representing an incoming wavefront that has been significantly distorted by strong turbulence conditions (C²_n <10^-13 m- ^2/3). An intelligent correction algorithm can then be developed to reconstruct the perturbed wavefront and use this information to drive a deformable mirror capable of correcting the major distortions. After the large distortions have been corrected, a secondary mode utilizing more traditional adaptive optics algorithms can take over to fine tune the wavefront correction. This two-stage algorithm can find use in free space optical communication systems, in directed energy applications, as well as for image correction purposes.

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Jonathan Ko, Chensheng Wu, and Christopher C. Davis "An adaptive optics approach for laser beam correction in turbulence utilizing a modified plenoptic camera", Proc. SPIE 9614, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans IV, 96140I (4 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2191180

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