The 24hSHIMM: a continuous day and night turbulence monitor for optical communications

Ryan Griffiths; James Osborn; Oliver Farley; Timothy Butterley; Matthew J. Townson; Richard Wilson

doi:10.1117/12.2648789

15 March 2023 The 24hSHIMM: a continuous day and night turbulence monitor for optical communications

Ryan Griffiths, James Osborn, Oliver Farley, Timothy Butterley, Matthew J. Townson, Richard Wilson

Proceedings Volume 12413, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXV; 124131E (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2648789
Event: SPIE LASE, 2023, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We present the 24-hour Shack-Hartmann Image Motion Monitor (24hSHIMM), the first truly continuous, 24-hour optical turbulence monitor. Atmospheric optical turbulence is a significant limitation for free-space optical communications and other technologies. Knowledge of the turbulence conditions allows for the selection of favourable sites for optical ground stations. It also enhances operations though providing data for assimilation into turbulence forecasting models and real-time monitoring of conditions. The 24hSHIMM uses a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor to measure a low-resolution vertical optical turbulence profile, from which the coherence length, angle and Rytov variance are calculated. Additionally a vertical wind speed profile from meteorological forecast data is used to calculate the coherence time. Due to its portability, the instrument can operate in a wide variety of locations, even urban, to provide continuous information about the atmospheric turbulence. To demonstrate this, we show parameters recorded at the astronomical observatory in La Palma for a continuous 36-hour period. With its wide array of capabilities, the 24hSHIMM offers strong support for future research in free-space optics.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Ryan Griffiths, James Osborn, Oliver Farley, Timothy Butterley, Matthew J. Townson, and Richard Wilson "The 24hSHIMM: a continuous day and night turbulence monitor for optical communications", Proc. SPIE 12413, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXV, 124131E (15 March 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2648789

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