Three-Dimensional Structure of Turbulent Scalar Fields with Applications in Aerooptics
Abstract
This program aimed to develop an interferometric technique for mitigating the effects of turbulence on visible-light imaging, complementary to techniques such as Adaptive Optics (AO) or speckle imaging. This technique employs a rotation shearing interferometer and high-speed, low-noise digital imaging system. Where an AO system would employ a complex high-bandwidth, electro-mechanical system to mitigate the effects of turbulence, this interferometric technique relies on a novel (low-cost) optical design, high-speed detector electronics, and digital post-processing to obtain images. One significant advantage of this technique is the use of a large-format detector that enables correction of aberrating fields with power at far higher wave numbers than AO systems can accommodate. Efforts have continued to analytically characterize the performance and limitations of this technique, and to analyze previously obtained astronomical data. Internal alignment algorithms have been automated to improve real-time performance. The read noise of the existing digital imaging system has been reduced, and its mechanical interface has been improved. Work has begun on a next-generation hybrid CMOS-CCD imaging system. (11 figures, 6 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 12, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA423001
Entities
People
- Christopher Martin
- Paul E. Dimotakis
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology