Three-Dimensional Structure of Turbulent Scalar Fields With Applications in Aerooptics
Abstract
This is the final report for AFOSR Grant F49620-OO-l-0036, which ended 31 Jan 2003. 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, which enables correction of aberrating fields with power at far higher wavenumbers than AO systems can accommodate. This technique has undergone a number of successful laboratory tests under weakly aberrating conditions, and data obtained at an astronomical observatory, currently under analysis, has passed several operational tests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA424146
Entities
People
- Christopher Martin
- Paul E. Dimotakis
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology