Limits on adaptive optics from laser guide star incoherency

S. Enguehard; B. Hatfield

doi:10.1117/12.619521

23 August 2005 Limits on adaptive optics from laser guide star incoherency

S. Enguehard, B. Hatfield

Proceedings Volume 5895, Target-in-the-Loop: Atmospheric Tracking, Imaging, and Compensation II; 58950C (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.619521
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We investigate a fundamental limit of atmospheric compensation for adaptive optical systems that use uncooperative beacons or laser guide stars. Laser guide stars are generated by backscattering processes that are naturally incoherent. The limit arises because the wavefront sensing component of the adaptive optics cannot differentiate between the incoherency introduced by atmospheric turbulence from that of the laser guide star generation process. The limit is significant and restrictive. Under absolutely ideal conditions with perfect compensation, the compensated Strehl ratio must be less than 0.3. Realistic conditions will reduce this by more than a factor of 2.

Citation Download Citation

S. Enguehard and B. Hatfield "Limits on adaptive optics from laser guide star incoherency", Proc. SPIE 5895, Target-in-the-Loop: Atmospheric Tracking, Imaging, and Compensation II, 58950C (23 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.619521

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