Numerical analysis of propagation conditions in which conventional adaptive optics can improve laser-directed energy weapons beam shaping

Loes Scheers; Gregal Vissers; Pieter Piscaer; Sven Van Binsbergen; Robert Nieuwenhuizen; Roderik Overzier; Lex Van Eijk; Ric Schleijpen

doi:10.1117/12.2683965

23 October 2023 Numerical analysis of propagation conditions in which conventional adaptive optics can improve laser-directed energy weapons beam shaping

Loes Scheers, Gregal Vissers, Pieter Piscaer, Sven Van Binsbergen, Robert Nieuwenhuizen, Roderik Overzier, Lex Van Eijk, Ric Schleijpen

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Proceedings Volume PC12739, High Power Lasers: Technology and Systems, Platforms, Effects VI; PC1273902 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2683965
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2023, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

We investigate in what turbulent conditions and propagation geometries conventional adaptive optics (AO) can provide improvement in laser applications. Characterizing the optical aberrations is essential to provide the input required for a conventional AO system. In this parametric study we characterize these aberrations by numerically propagating a beacon from an effector into the far field and back using a split-step method involving turbulent phase screens. The beacon’s aberrated field at the location of the effector is sensed assuming a perfect wavefront sensor and subsequently used to pre-correct the effector for its turbulent propagation into the far field. In the far field, beam metrics such as spot size, Strehl ratio and power-ratio-in-the-bucket (PRIB) with and without AO correction applied to the effector are investigated. By varying propagation geometries and turbulent conditions, the dependence of the beam metrics on the propagation scheme is analyzed in detail. Additionally, the dependence of the beam metrics on assumptions in the AO system such as number of Zernike modes taken into account in the correction are studied. The results can be used to identify when AO should be considered given the broader operational context in which a laser system is expected to operate and give insight in accompanying AO considerations.

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Loes Scheers, Gregal Vissers, Pieter Piscaer, Sven Van Binsbergen, Robert Nieuwenhuizen, Roderik Overzier, Lex Van Eijk, and Ric Schleijpen "Numerical analysis of propagation conditions in which conventional adaptive optics can improve laser-directed energy weapons beam shaping", Proc. SPIE PC12739, High Power Lasers: Technology and Systems, Platforms, Effects VI, PC1273902 (23 October 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2683965

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KEYWORDS

Adaptive optics

Beam shaping

Energy based weapons

Improvised weapons

Laser beam propagation

Laser energy

Laser optics

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