Multidither Adaptive Algorithms

Abstract

Reduction of thermal blooming distortions has been studied as a function of the initial transmitter irradiance profile. The data, obtained by computer simulation of focused-beam propagation, indicate that the best way to increase the peak target irradiance is to make the aperture distribution as uniform as possible. This conclusion holds for Gaussian, truncated or apodized Gaussian, annular or circular beams, and for special 'hole-in-the-middle' laser modes. Two computer simulations have been developed. One code calculates thermal blooming correction with a full-servo simulation of a multi-dither COAT system. The second code models a multidither Zernike-polynomial COAT system (ZEP-COAT) with up to 13 polynomials. This code can be used with or without a simulation of a 37-element deformable mirror. Identical performance is obtained for linear propagation with the ZEP-COAT code and with a conventional multidither, outgoing-wave COAT (MOW-COAT) simulation code. A 37-element deformable mirror has been designed for use with the DARPA/RADC 18-channel, visible-wavelength multidither COAT system. The design and performance goals of this uncooled mirror are summarized.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA025185

Entities

People

  • James E. Pearson
  • K. D. Price
  • K. M. Brown
  • M. L. Minden
  • R. G. Finucane

Organizations

  • HRL Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Actuators
  • Adaptive Optics
  • Algorithms
  • Beryllium
  • Computer Simulations
  • Construction
  • Distortion
  • Elements
  • Focal Planes
  • Gray Scale
  • Intensity
  • Resonance
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Thermal Blooming
  • Three Dimensional
  • Transmitters
  • Wavefronts

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy