Image-based Turbulence Monitor

A growing number of applications involving laser propagation through turbulence are gaining momentum and acceptance in a broader community.  The performance of these systems is typically governed by the statistics of turbulence.  It is often the case that a system that is effective in median conditions, is completely ineffective in more severe conditions. While adaptive optics can extend this region of effectiveness, there are ultimately limitations to the performance of adaptive optical systems. Developing an understanding of the fundamental key parameters defining these performance thresholds and methods for measurement of these key parameters is of growing importance. Nutronics proposes a Phase I effort to utilize analysis and simulation to investigate the impact of variations of such parameters as inner and outer scale and anisotropy of turbulence on the performance of laser systems for optical communication and directed energy applications utilizing Nutronics established performance prediction codes. In addition, Nutronics proposed to investigate an innovative sensor suite concept to turbulence parameter estimation: the Image-based Turbulence Monitor (ITM). The proposed ITM utilizes a combination of image and focal plane measurements leveraging established techniques for turbulence profiling and measurement. BENEFIT: The proposed effort has numerous potential benefits and commercial applications, including (but not limited to): laser communication, space situational awareness, astronomical ground based imaging, laser radar, laser rangefinding, air-base defense, ship self-defense, and tactical precision strike.