FAST: Fourier domain adaptive optics simulation tool for bidirectional ground-space optical links through atmospheric turbulence

O. J. D. Farley*, M. J. Townson, J. Osborn

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)
26 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Free space optical links between the ground and space may be severely degraded by atmospheric turbulence. Adaptive Optics, a technique allowing partial correction of this degradation, is beginning to see use in the field with the potential to achieve more robust and higher bandwidth links. Here we present a simulation tool, FAST, which utilises an analytical Fourier domain Adaptive Optics model developed for astronomy. Using the reciprocity principle, the simulation may be applied either to downlink post-compensated or uplink pre-compensated beams. We show that FAST gives similar results to full end-to-end simulations with wave-optical propagation whilst being between 10 and 200 times faster, enabling the characterisation of optical links with complex Adaptive Optics systems in timely fashion.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23050-23064
Number of pages15
JournalOptics Express
Volume30
Issue number13
Early online date9 Jun 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jun 2022
Externally publishedYes

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