Abstract:

In the process of high-resolution astronomical observation and space optical mapping, the high-speed turbulence effect leads to reduced resolution of optical imaging sensor. On the base of influence of high-speed turbulence effect for the optical observation system, the development and technical characteristics of adaptive optics technology are investigated and analysed. In this part, the basic principles of wavefront control and measurement using the current production line of adaptive optics are described, including micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) deformable mirror which is one of the most promising technology for wavefront modulation and Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors. A new method based on the technology of adaptive optics and the data of optical path difference (OPD) for simulating the effect of optical transmission induced by turbulence is presented. The modeling and characteristics of atmosphere turbulence effect applied for optical imagery detector of astronomical observation and space optical mapping have been obtained. Based on the theory model of high-speed turbulence effects and digital simulation results, a preliminary experiment was done and the results verified the feasibility of the new method. The OPD data corresponding to optical propagation effect through turbulent atmosphere can be achieved by the calculation based on the method of ray-tracing and principle of physical optics. It is a common practice to decompose aberrated wavefronts in series over the Zernike polynomials. These data can be applied to the drive and control of the deformable mirror. This kind of simulation method can be applied to simulate the optical distortions effect, such as the dithering and excursion of light spot, in the space based earth observation with the influence of high-speed turbulent atmosphere. With the help of the adaptive optics technology, the optical sensor and ability of space optical detection system for correcting the target image blurred by turbulence of atmosphere can be tested and evaluated in the laboratory.

Key words: adaptive optics, high-speed turbulence effect, optical sensor evaluation