Multi-Dimensional Wave Front Sensing Algorithms for Embedded Tracking and Adaptive Optics Applications

Abstract

Current tracking and adaptive optics techniques cannot compensate for fast-moving extended objects, which is important for ground-based telescopes providing space situational awareness. To fill this need, a vector-projection maximum-likelihood wave-front sensing algorithm development and testing follows for this application. A derivation and simplification of the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound for wavefront sensing using a laser guide star bounds the performance of these systems and guides implementation of a vastly optimized maximum-likelihood search algorithm. A complete analysis of the bias, mean square error, and variance of the algorithm demonstrates exceptional performance of the new sensor. A proof of concept implementation shows feasibility of deployment in modern adaptive optics systems. The vector-projection maximum-likelihood sensor satisfies the need for tracking and wave-front sensing of extended objects using current adaptive optics hardware designs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA446838

Entities

People

  • Christopher C. Wood

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adaptive Optics
  • Air Force
  • Algorithms
  • Atmospheric Motion
  • Charge Coupled Devices
  • Computational Complexity
  • Computational Science
  • Detectors
  • Diffraction
  • Field Programmable Gate Arrays
  • Maximum Likelihood Estimation
  • Optics
  • Refractive Index
  • Situational Awareness
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects