An efficient turbulence simulation algorithm

Abstract

Turbulence mitigation techniques require input data representing a wide variety of turbulent atmospheric and weather conditions in order to produce robust results and wider ranges of applicability. In the past, this has implied the need for numerous data collection equipment items to account for multiple frequency bands and various system configurations. However, recent advancements in turbulence simulation techniques have resulted in viable options to real-time data collection with various levels of available simulation accuracy. This treatment will detail the development and implementation of an extension to the second order statistical turbulence simulation model presented by Repasi 1 and others. The Repasi model is extended to include the effects of various wavelengths, optical configurations, and short exposure imaging on angle of arrival fluctuation statistics. The result of the development is an atmospheric turbulence simulation technique that is physics-based but less computationally intensive than phase-based or deflector screen approaches. In these cases, the statistical approach detailed in this paper provides the user with an opportunity to obtain a better trade-off between accuracy and simulation run-time. The mathematical development and reasoning behind the changes to the previous statistical model will be presented, and sample imagery produced by the extended technique will be included. The result is a model that captures the major turbulence effects required for algorithm development for large classes of mitigation techniques. © 2012 Copyright Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Publication Title

Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

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