Christopher Wilcox (Naval Research Laboratory), Ty Martinez (Naval Research Laboratory), Freddie Santiago (Naval Research Laboratory), Jonathan R. Andrews (Naval Research Laboratory), Sergio R. Restaino (Naval Research Laboratory), Scott W. Teare (New Mexico Tech), Don Payne (Narrascape)
Keywords: Adaptive Optics
Abstract:
At the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), we have developed a testbed for simulating atmospheric turbulence using Kolmogorov statistics for testing the correctibility of an Adaptive Optical System (AOS). In this testbed, a Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulator is being used to induce the atmospheric turbulence and a MEM deformable mirror is being used in the AOS to correct it. This atmospheric turbulence generator can be used to simulate the atmospheric effects on light viewed by an AOS for any telescope aperture with either very poor or very good seeing conditions. This dynamic and expandable system is being used to characterize performance and optimization parameters of our AOS at NRL.
Date of Conference: September 12-15, 2007
Track: Adaptive Optics