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

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

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.

Citation

Farley, O., Townson, M., & Osborn, J. (2022). FAST: Fourier domain adaptive optics simulation tool for bidirectional ground-space optical links through atmospheric turbulence. Optics Express, 30(13), 23050-23064. https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.458659

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 27, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jun 9, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022
• Deposit Date: Jul 12, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 19, 2022
• Journal: Optics Express
• Publisher: Optica
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 13
• Pages: 23050-23064
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.458659