Free-space optical communications (FSOC) is emerging as a crucial alternative for high data rate networks. With the commercial availability of optical wide band super continuum lasers, there arises an opportunity to enhance the link availability in the presence of strong turbulence. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a terrestrial optical link, considering the compounding factor of exploiting the advantages of incoherent beam combining from spatial diverse laser sources. To assess the performance of the optical link, wave optics simulation and perturbation theory are employed and compared. The analysis focuses on exploring the reduction in fade statistics, which is critical for ensuring reliable and robust communication links in adverse atmospheric conditions. Analysis will be conducted over a variety of, ranges, aperture diameters, wavelengths, and levels of turbulence. By leveraging the capabilities of wide band super continuum lasers, the proposed study demonstrates the potential improvements in link availability, throughput, and stability in the presence of turbulent atmospheric conditions. Moreover, the benefits of harnessing incoherent beam combining from spatial diverse laser sources are also considered in the trade space analysis.
Optical tracking of extended targets poses significant challenges in system design and algorithm development. However, the collection of experimental data that can accurately represent these scenarios is often impractical due to cost constraints. To address this issue, this talk aims to present innovative methods that enable the generation of realistic synthetic imagery, which can be used for the purpose of tracker development. By leveraging these methods, researchers can overcome the limitations of relying solely on scarce real-world data. Synthetic imagery offers the advantage of being highly customizable, allowing for the creation of various scenarios that may not be easily accessible or feasible in real-life experiments. This flexibility provides a valuable tool for exploring different tracking algorithms and designing robust systems. However, it is essential to acknowledge the capabilities and limitations of using synthetic imagery for tracker development. While it can accurately represent certain aspects of extended target tracking, there may still exist discrepancies when compared to real-world scenarios. This talk aims to define the synthetic imagery capabilities and limitations while understanding its impact on system evaluation.
Propagation of laser beams through a turbulent atmosphere over extended ranges can cause significant beam scintillation and wander which can degrade the effectiveness of a Free Space Optical (FSO) link. The use of a spectrally broadband laser light source, with a high spatial coherence and short temporal coherence, could lead to improved performance in one or both of these areas. This experiment investigates the effect of temporal coherence on the far-field turbulence induced effects on the beam. Narrow linewidth coherent sources were compared against a broadband source over a 13.5 km slant-path. The path was instrumented with a path averaged turbulence monitoring device during data collection along with a range of other meteorological parameters to predict atmospheric parameters. Target board beam profile data was collected to measure the spatial statistics due to atmospheric turbulence along with silicon detectors to measure the temporal statistics of the atmospheric turbulence effects. This data is analyzed and compared to full diffraction wave propagation simulation results. Our analysis shows the benefit that the broadband source does not suffer as many scintillation effects as the narrow-linewidth sources.
Experiments were conducted at the TISTEF laser range to evaluate the atmospheric turbulence data of several instruments. A Scintec BLS900, BLS2000, SLS20, MZA DELTA, and an Applied Technologies SATI-3A sonic anemometer were deployed on the 1 kilometer range and recorded measurements over a multi-day period. The data was then processed to compare the calculated refractive index structure parameter (C2n ) between the instruments. The BLS2000 and DELTA were also deployed to record turbulence measurements along a 13.5 kilometer slant path from the TISTEF site to the Vehicle Assembly Building roof on Kennedy Space Center property for additional evaluation.
This effort designed and tested new algorithms and deployable scintillometer hardware for ocean optical turbulence characterization. Novel features include a hand-deployable design, a non-laser optical source, a rapidly adjustable propagation length, and a collocated multi-instrument environmental sensor package. Undersea testing was contingent on several accomplishments, including developing robust algorithms and data logging methods, integrating compact optics and electronics, and engineering handheld-sized pressure vessels suitable for field experimentation. The test assembly was deployed in 428-m Pacific Ocean water from a small boat. Direct measurements revealed the ocean’s refractive-index structure parameter (Cn2 from 1.9×10−11 m−2/3 to 2.3×10−10 m−2/3) and the inner scale of optical turbulence (l0 from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm). Onboard temperature, depth, beam attenuation, and backscattering sensors corroborated key regions of interest, namely the thermocline. By integrating turbulence, temperature, depth, attenuation, and backscattering measurements within a single hand-portable assembly, we increased our understanding of ocean optical dynamics while demonstrating the practicality of a low size, weight, and power scintillometer.
Atmospheric propagation experiments have been conducted over the 1km TISTEF laser range to examine the effects of turbulence, absorption and scattering on a supercontinuum laser beam. This supercontinuum laser beam has been band limited to transmit only visible wavelengths (400-850 nm). In this work, the effects of atmospheric turbulence on the supercontinuum laser will be examined.
The Space Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at The Kennedy Space Center is an immense slab of concrete. This flat and uniform surface has little to no vegetation or structure surrounding. This environment is ideal for the study of laser propagation through atmospheric turbulence. The assumption of homogeneity is satisfied by the runway and the surrounding environment. In our experimentation visible and infrared lasers are propagated across this homogenous environment. Temperature spectra generated by sonic anemometers along with additional MET and scintillometer data will be analyzed and presented.
For applications involving optical beam propagation through the atmosphere, knowledge of the path extinction can be a critical measurement. Measurement of this parameter has been performed in a variety of ways in the past. These approaches have been effective but require careful calibration and expensive Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) for imaging. In this work, we describe the development of a Near-Infrared (NIR) imaging device utilizing a single detector element, forming a type of single-pixel camera specialized for extinction measurements. This approach somewhat simplifies the calibration process and avoids the expense of an FPA. We demonstrate the capability of the device to measure path extinction through extended real-world testing.
Recently, the number of optical systems that operate along near horizontal paths within a few meters of the ground has increased rapidly. Examples are LIDAR or optical sensors imbedded in a vehicle, long range surveillance or optical communication systems, a LIFI network, new weather monitoring stations, as well as directed energy systems for defense purposes. Near ground turbulence distortion for optical waves used in those systems cannot be well described by conventional turbulence and beam propagation theory. Phenomena such as anisotropy, micro mirage effects, a temporal negative relation between diurnal dips and altitude, and condensation induced measurement errors are frequently involved. As a result, there is a high risk of defective designs or even failures in those optical systems if the near ground turbulence effects are not well considered. To illustrate such risk, we make Cn2 measurements by different approaches and cross compare them with associated working principles. By demonstrating the reasons for mismatched Cn2 results, we point out a few guidelines regarding how to use the general anisotropy theorem and the risk of ignoring it. Our conclusions can be further supported by an advanced plenoptic sensor that provides continuous wavefront data.
Researchers from the University of Central Florida recently carried out a series of measurements over a concrete runway and a grass range using a 632.8 nm Gaussian beam propagated for 100 or 125 m at a height of 2 m. Mean intensity and scintillation index contours varied significantly throughout these measurements in ways that corresponded to more than simple isotropy or anisotropy of optical turbulence. A simple theory is developed to show the effect of a nonlinear index of refraction gradient in addition to the possibility of anisotropic turbulence. Theoretical contours are compared to experimental results which seem to indicate the presence of a beam shaping phenomena near the ground in addition to anisotropy.
We present an experimental evaluation of a multi-aperture laser transmissometer system which profiles long-term laser beam statistics over long paths. While the system was originally designed to measure the aerosol extinction rate, the beam profiling capabilities of the transmissometer system also allows experimental observations of Gaussian beam statistics in weak and strong turbulence. Additionally, measurement of long-term beam spread at the receiver allows the system to estimate a path-averaged Cn2, including in strong turbulence regimes where scintillometers experience saturation effects. Additionally, a phase-frequency correlation technique for synchronizing with transmitter ON/OFF modulation in the presence of background ambient light is presented. In application, our ruggedized and weather resistant laser transmissometer system has significant advantages for the measurement and study of aerosol concentration, absorption, scattering, and turbulence properties over multi-kilometer paths, which are crucial for directed energy systems, ground-level free-space optical communication systems, environmental monitoring, and weather forecasting.
Ground to air temperature gradients drive the creation and evolution of optical turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer. Ground composition is an important factor when observing and measuring the generated optical turbulence. Surface roughness and thermal characteristics influence the formation of optical turbulence eddies. The Space Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at The Kennedy Space Center offers a unique opportunity to measure the generation and evolution of these turbulent eddies, while also providing a temperature gradient “Step Function” after which turbulence evolution can be analyzed. We present the analysis of data collected on the SLF during May of 2018. Mobile towers instrumented with sonic anemometers are used to examine the statistics of turbulent eddies leaving the increased heat gradient of the runway. This data is compared to an optical scintillometer and other local weather station data. Point and path average Cn2 data are calculated and attention is given to turbulence spectrum as a function of height above ground.
Large temperature gradients are a known source of strong atmospheric turbulence conditions. Often times these areas of strong turbulence conditions are also accompanied by conditions that make it difficult to conduct long term optical atmospheric tests. The Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) provides a prime testing environment that is capable of generating strong atmospheric turbulence yet is also easily accessible for well instrumented testing. The Shuttle Landing Facility features a 5000 m long and 91 m wide concrete runway that provides ample space for measurements of atmospheric turbulence as well as the opportunity for large temperature gradients to form as the sun heats the surface. We present the results of a large aperture LED scintillometer, a triple aperture laser scintillometer, and a thermal probe system that were used to calculate a path averaged and a point calculation of Cn2. In addition, we present the results of the Plenoptic Sensor that was used to calculate a path averaged Cn2 value. These measurements were conducted over a multi-day continuous test with supporting atmospheric and weather data provided by the University of Central Florida.
The usage of long-range optical systems for tracking applications encounters regions of deep turbulence throughout propagation. Such conditions lead to the inability to remain on target for a tracked object due to scintillation. To mitigate this issue, a double pass optical system is utilized as a means of tracking enhanced backscatter (EBS) and thus keeping alignment while characterizing turbulent conditions. EBS is detected through image processing algorithms that capture the returning constructive interference from the target. This paper evaluates EBS optical systems using a retro-reflector at a 1 kilometer distance in order to validate theoretical models that typify atmospheric turbulence regarding low-ground propagation. Meteorological conditions are also included in the empirical data obtained for the analysis of atmospheric conditions that contribute to non-homogenous turbulent conditions along the path.
Utilizing a retro-reflector from a target point, the reflected irradiance of a laser beam traveling back toward the transmitting point contains a peak point of intensity known as the enhanced backscatter (EBS) phenomenon. EBS is dependent on the strength regime of turbulence currently occurring within the atmosphere as the beam propagates across and back. In order to capture and analyze this phenomenon so that it may be compared to theory, an imaging system is integrated into the optical set up. With proper imaging established, we are able to implement various post-image acquisition techniques to help determine detection and positioning of EBS which can then be validated with theory by inspection of certain dependent meteorological parameters such as the refractive index structure parameter, Cn2 and wind speed.
The alternative Bendersky, Kopeika, and Blaunstein (BKB) model of measuring the refractive structure index parameter, Cn2 has proven to be a reliable, well-used means of quantifying and characterizing the atmospheric turbulence in a given environment. This model relies on various meteorological parameters such as temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and time of day in order to procure the resulting Cn2 quantity. Using experimentally confirmed results from a desert environment, the utility of this model may be extended to other climates by adapting temporal hour weights used within the model. The adaptation of these weighted parameters are shown to have a relationship with the unique weather conditions of a given region which are demonstrated by data points collected from two testing ranges located in Florida in addition to archived weather data. The resulting extended model is then compared to commercial scintillometer data for validation.
The purpose of this research is to evaluate scintillation fluctuations on optical communication lasers and evaluate potential system improvements to reduce scintillation effects. This research attempts to experimentally verify mathematical models developed by Andrews and Phillips [1] for scintillation fluctuations in atmospheric turbulence using two different transmitting wavelengths. Propagation range lengths and detector quantities were varied to confirm the theoretical scintillation curve. In order to confirm the range and wavelength dependent scintillation curve, intensity measurements were taken from a 904nm and 1550nm laser source for an assortment of path distances along the 1km laser range at the Townes Laser Institute. The refractive index structure parameter (Cn2) data was also taken at various ranges using two commercial scintillometers. This parameter is used to characterize the strength of atmospheric turbulence, which induces scintillation effects on the laser beam, and is a vital input parameter to the mathematical model. Data was taken and analyzed using a 4-detector board array. The material presented in this paper outlines the verification and validation of the theoretical scintillation model, and steps to improve the scintillation fluctuation effects on the laser beam through additional detectors and a longer transmitting wavelength. Experimental data was post processed and analyzed for scintillation fluctuations of the two transmitting wavelengths. The results demonstrate the benefit of additional detectors and validate a mathematical model that can be scaled for use in a variety of communications or defense applications. Scintillation is a problem faced by every free space laser communication system and the verification of an accurate mathematical model to simulate these effects has strong application across the industry.
In order to better understand laser beam propagation through the analysis of the fluctuations in scintillation data, images from a 30 frame per second monochrome camera are utilized. Scintillation is the effect of atmospheric turbulence which is known to disrupt and alter the intensity and formation of a laser signal as it propagates through the atmosphere. To model and understand this phenomenon, recorded video output of a laser upon a target screen is inspected to determine how much of an effect the atmospheric turbulence has disrupted the laser signal as it has been propagated upon a set distance. The techniques of data processing outlined in this paper moves toward a software-based approach of determining the effects of propagation and detection of a laser based on the visual fluctuations caused by the scintillation effect. With the aid of such visual models, this paper examines the idea of implementing mathematical models via software that is then validated by the gathered video data taken at Kennedy Space Center.
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