The Effect of an Adaptive Optical System's Spatio-Temporal Response on Imaging Performance
Abstract
Ideally, an adaptive optical control system would have instantaneous temporal response and infinite spatial bandwidth. In real systems, the response time of the adaptive optical control system is limited by the integration time of the wave front sensor, the computational time of the control algorithm, and the actuator response time. Additionally, finite inter actuator spacing limits the deformable mirror's ability to reproduce spatial frequencies having a period less than twice this spacing. Although analyses general enough to account for both the temporal and spatial characteristics of the adaptive optical system exist, they are complex and require detailed information regarding the wave front sensor, the deformable mirror, and the control algorithm. This investigation develops a frequency domain model that describes performance effects of an adaptive optical system's temporal response taking into account aperture piston and tilt removal and spatial bandwidth limitations due to finite subaperture size. The unique aspect of this model is the relative ease with which performance characteristics of different spatial and temporal system response functions can be investigated.... Atmospheric optics, Atmospheric motion, Adaptive optics, Phase detectors, Correlation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA258848
Entities
People
- P. M. Harrington
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology