Optical Wavefront Control without a Wavefront Sensor: Atmospheric Effects Mitigation in Strong Turbulence Conditions
Feb/12/2009 11:47 Filed in: Seminars
Research Lecture for Physics (Electro-Optics emphasis) Assistant Professor Candidate
By
Thomas Weyrauch, Ph.D.
Institute for Systems Research
University of Maryland/College Park
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Seminar at 4:30 p.m. in Science Center 128
By
Thomas Weyrauch, Ph.D.
Institute for Systems Research
University of Maryland/College Park
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Seminar at 4:30 p.m. in Science Center 128
“Optical Wavefront Control without a Wavefront Sensor: Atmospheric Effects Mitigation in Strong Turbulence Conditions”
ABSTRACT
This presentation discusses the development and experimental evaluation of novel optical wavefront control systems for mitigation of atmospheric turbulence-induced distortions. The control of these systems is based on the optimization of system performance metrics rather than on the measurement and minimization of residual wavefront errors. One major advantage of this approach is the much lower impact of strong intensity fluctuations typical for the application scenarios, e.g., free-space optical communications and directed energy systems. In the described systems wavefront correction is performed using several different spatial phase modulators including deformable mirrors based on MEMS technology, piezoelectric actuated mirrors, and phased arrays of adaptive fiber collimators. Wavefront control experiments include propagation over real atmospheric propagation paths with up to 2.3 km length. The results of the system performance evaluation will be discussed especially with respect to laser communication applications.
ABSTRACT
This presentation discusses the development and experimental evaluation of novel optical wavefront control systems for mitigation of atmospheric turbulence-induced distortions. The control of these systems is based on the optimization of system performance metrics rather than on the measurement and minimization of residual wavefront errors. One major advantage of this approach is the much lower impact of strong intensity fluctuations typical for the application scenarios, e.g., free-space optical communications and directed energy systems. In the described systems wavefront correction is performed using several different spatial phase modulators including deformable mirrors based on MEMS technology, piezoelectric actuated mirrors, and phased arrays of adaptive fiber collimators. Wavefront control experiments include propagation over real atmospheric propagation paths with up to 2.3 km length. The results of the system performance evaluation will be discussed especially with respect to laser communication applications.
