A Framework for Iterative Phase Retrieval Technique Integration into Atmospheric Adaptive Optics—Part II: High Resolution Wavefront Control in Strong Scintillations

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce atmospheric adaptive optics (AO) system architectures that utilize scintillation-resistant wavefront sensors based on iterative phase retrieval (IPR) techniques (described in detail in Part I) for closed-loop mitigation of atmospheric turbulence-induced wavefront aberrations in strong intensity scintillation conditions. The objective is to provide a framework (mathematical and numerical models, performance metrics, control algorithms, and wave-optics modeling and simulation results) for the potential integration of IPR-based wavefront sensing techniques into the following major atmospheric optics system types: directed energy laser beam projection, remote laser power delivery (remote power beaming), and free-space optical communications. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results demonstrate that the proposed closed-loop AO system architectures and control algorithms can be uniquely applicable for addressing one of the most challenging AO problems of turbulence effects mitigation in the presence of strong-intensity scintillations.

Keywords

• adaptive optics
• wavefront sensing
• phase retrieval
• atmospheric turbulence
• laser beam projection
• remote power beaming