Spatial-temporal-covariance-based modeling, analysis, and simulation of aero-optics wavefront aberrations

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Fluid Dynamics
• Aerospace Engineering

Background:

• Aero-optics wavefront aberrations pose challenges for optical systems operating in turbulent airflow.
• Accurate modeling and simulation are crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a novel framework for modeling, analyzing, and simulating aero-optics wavefront aberrations.
• Investigate the statistical properties of these aberrations and their implications for adaptive optics (AO).

Main Methods:

• Utilized spatial-temporal covariance matrices from wavefront sensor measurements.
• Developed a quasi-homogeneous structure function to analyze spatial random processes.
• Applied the framework to data from the Airborne Aero-Optics Laboratory.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that aero-optics phase aberrations are locally Kolmogorov under specific operating conditions.
• Confirmed the applicability of the d5/3 power law for adaptive optics deformable mirror fitting error.
• Established bounds for adaptive optics servo lag and predictive control errors.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework enables accurate simulation of AO systems for mitigating aero-effects.
• The findings provide insights into the physical processes of turbulent flow affecting optical wavefronts.
• The study validates the use of AO systems in challenging aero-optical environments.