Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 3 of 3
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Closed-Loop Adaptive Optics Control In Strong Atmospheric Turbulence, Todd M. Venema
Closed-Loop Adaptive Optics Control In Strong Atmospheric Turbulence, Todd M. Venema
Theses and Dissertations
A self-referencing interferometer based closed-loop adaptive optics controller is developed which is designed to operate effectively under strong turbulence conditions. The aberrated optical field is modeled stochastically and then estimates of the state of the system are developed using a steady-state, fixed-gain Kalman filter. The phase of the optical field is considered the state of the system which is wrapped in a limited range of (-π, π]. This phase is unwrapped through the use of a least-squares reconstructor which has been modified to work effectively in the presence of branch points associated with strong turbulence. The conjugate of the optical …
Ionospheric Response To Solar Flares Using An Improved Version Of Sami2, Joseph P. Reich Iii
Ionospheric Response To Solar Flares Using An Improved Version Of Sami2, Joseph P. Reich Iii
Theses and Dissertations
Solar flares release energy, primarily at X-ray and EUV wavelengths, which is then absorbed mainly in Earth's ionosphere. This non-uniform absorption of energy alters the ionosphere's structure and can change the propagation of electromagnetic waves causing errors in GPS navigation, false radar echoes, and loss of High Frequency (HF) radio communications. Accurately modeling the ionospheric response to flares is the first step in predicting, and then mitigating, their effects. Accurately modeling these effects requires solar irradiance at a high cadence, to capture the flare, which may only last minutes, as well as treatment of the effects of photoelectrons. Sami2 is …
Limitations Of Segmented Wavefront Control Devices In Emulating Optical Turbulence, Michael D. Plourde
Limitations Of Segmented Wavefront Control Devices In Emulating Optical Turbulence, Michael D. Plourde
Theses and Dissertations
Using a device to act as a surrogate for atmospheric turbulence in a laboratory is necessary to build and test optical systems for imaging, lidar, laser weapons, and laser communications. Liquid-crystal spatial light modulators (LC SLMs) and segmented micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) deformable mirrors (DMs) are commonly used devices for altering wavefronts in order to simulate a portion of atmospheric turbulence. The best location of these devices was theoretically analyzed to obtain the broadest possible range of atmospheric conditions. It was found that two phase screens should be placed at the beginning of the optical path to achieve maximum turbulence strength for …