Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
We are currently investigating a novel method, known as time-average Fourier telescopy
TAFT, for high-resolution imaging through the turbulent atmosphere. This method, which can be
applied to long-horizontal-path terrestrial imaging, addresses a need that is not solved by the
adaptive optics methods being used in astronomical imaging. Because experimental verification
of the method is quite complicated and requiring of considerable instrumentation, we are
developing a set of computer simulation tools that will allow us to establish the validity of the
underlying concept and to assess its limitations in ground-level imaging over distances of
kilometers to tens of kilometers.
The simulation tools, to be described in this poster presentation, allow us to model with high
accuracy the passage of light waves through typical ground-level turbulence and for large
distances. Preliminary results suggest that, at a minimum, TAFT will allow diffraction-limited
imaging with meter-scale optical apertures operating at distances exceeding a kilometer, a
capability that improves on that of conventional imaging by orders of magnitude.
In this poster we describe the basic scheme of simulation tools, atmospheric turbulence
modeling, split-steps Gaussian beam propagation, phase screen modeling, recent progress and
remaining challenges.
TAFT, for high-resolution imaging through the turbulent atmosphere. This method, which can be
applied to long-horizontal-path terrestrial imaging, addresses a need that is not solved by the
adaptive optics methods being used in astronomical imaging. Because experimental verification
of the method is quite complicated and requiring of considerable instrumentation, we are
developing a set of computer simulation tools that will allow us to establish the validity of the
underlying concept and to assess its limitations in ground-level imaging over distances of
kilometers to tens of kilometers.
The simulation tools, to be described in this poster presentation, allow us to model with high
accuracy the passage of light waves through typical ground-level turbulence and for large
distances. Preliminary results suggest that, at a minimum, TAFT will allow diffraction-limited
imaging with meter-scale optical apertures operating at distances exceeding a kilometer, a
capability that improves on that of conventional imaging by orders of magnitude.
In this poster we describe the basic scheme of simulation tools, atmospheric turbulence
modeling, split-steps Gaussian beam propagation, phase screen modeling, recent progress and
remaining challenges.
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