Atmospheric laser optics testbed (A_LOT): atmospheric propagation characterization, beam control, and imaging results

Mikhail A. Vorontsov; Gary W. Carhart; Matt Banta; Thomas Weyrauch; John Gowens II; John C. Carrano

doi:10.1117/12.507524

11 December 2003 Atmospheric laser optics testbed (A_LOT): atmospheric propagation characterization, beam control, and imaging results

Mikhail A. Vorontsov, Gary W. Carhart, Matt Banta, Thomas Weyrauch, John Gowens II, John C. Carrano

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5162, Advanced Wavefront Control: Methods, Devices, and Applications; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.507524
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A new Army Research Laboratory (ARL) facility, the Atmospheric Laser Optics Testbed (A_LOT), designed to support research and development for a wide range of laser communication, atmospheric optics, beam control and imaging programs is presented. A_LOT provides a research laboratory environment that includes a 2.3 km near horizontal atmospheric optical path for studying the major challenges facing applications that employ laser beam propagation or imaging through the boundary layer atmosphere. Simultaneous and continual characterization of the meteorological and atmospheric turbulence parameters with characteristics of atmospheric imaging and laser beam propagation is accomplished with a network of various sensors connected to an automated data collection and archiving system. "Local weather" control capabilities allow generation of smoke, fog or rain. Devices and experiments can be controlled and data examined remotely via internet connection and remote client software. Examples of recent laser communication and imaging results obtained using the A_LOT facilities are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Mikhail A. Vorontsov, Gary W. Carhart, Matt Banta, Thomas Weyrauch, John Gowens II, and John C. Carrano "Atmospheric laser optics testbed (A_LOT): atmospheric propagation characterization, beam control, and imaging results", Proc. SPIE 5162, Advanced Wavefront Control: Methods, Devices, and Applications, (11 December 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.507524

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