ABLSim: a user-friendly wave optics propagation code

Stephen C. Coy

doi:10.1117/12.356952

3 August 1999 ABLSim: a user-friendly wave optics propagation code

Stephen C. Coy

Proceedings Volume 3706, Airborne Laser Advanced Technology II; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.356952
Event: AeroSense '99, 1999, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

ABLSim is a software tool for high fidelity modeling of advanced optical systems such as a laser weapons systems and compensated imaging syste. It makes use of a well established modeling approach known as 'wave optics', in which optical wavefronts are modeled using 2D meshes of complex numbers. Wave optics is the most powerful approach known for predicting the performance of optical systems in the presence of strong turbulence. ABLSim differs from previous wave optics modeling tools primarily in that it is much easier to use. Historically, wave optics codes been notoriously difficult to use with the result that only a very small number of people - the code authors and a few others -could use the codes effectively. ABLSim is designed to make wave optics accessible to a much broader user community. In ABLSim, the user assembles system models in a 'connect-the-blocks' visual programming environment, where each block represents a system component such as an optical sensor, a laser source, a mirror or a lens. Each connection represents a specific type of interaction: for example, connections between optical components represent optical interfaces. ABLSim provides a GUI for setting up parameter studies and a Matlab interface for postprocessing.

Citation Download Citation

Stephen C. Coy "ABLSim: a user-friendly wave optics propagation code", Proc. SPIE 3706, Airborne Laser Advanced Technology II, (3 August 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.356952

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