Image processing techniques for laser propagation through atmospheric turbulence

Sara B. Belichki; Landon J. Splitter; Larry C. Andrews; Ronald L. Phillips; Joseph T. Coffaro; Michael G. Panich

doi:10.1117/12.2053320

9 June 2014 Image processing techniques for laser propagation through atmospheric turbulence

Sara B. Belichki, Landon J. Splitter, Larry C. Andrews, Ronald L. Phillips, Joseph T. Coffaro, Michael G. Panich

Proceedings Volume 9080, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XIX; and Atmospheric Propagation XI; 90801A (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2053320
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2014, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

In order to better understand laser beam propagation through the analysis of the fluctuations in scintillation data, images from a 30 frame per second monochrome camera are utilized. Scintillation is the effect of atmospheric turbulence which is known to disrupt and alter the intensity and formation of a laser signal as it propagates through the atmosphere. To model and understand this phenomenon, recorded video output of a laser upon a target screen is inspected to determine how much of an effect the atmospheric turbulence has disrupted the laser signal as it has been propagated upon a set distance. The techniques of data processing outlined in this paper moves toward a software-based approach of determining the effects of propagation and detection of a laser based on the visual fluctuations caused by the scintillation effect. With the aid of such visual models, this paper examines the idea of implementing mathematical models via software that is then validated by the gathered video data taken at Kennedy Space Center.

Citation Download Citation

Sara B. Belichki, Landon J. Splitter, Larry C. Andrews, Ronald L. Phillips, Joseph T. Coffaro, and Michael G. Panich "Image processing techniques for laser propagation through atmospheric turbulence", Proc. SPIE 9080, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XIX; and Atmospheric Propagation XI, 90801A (9 June 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2053320

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