Target edge response

Mikhail S. Belen'kii; Patti Gillespie; Gary G. Gimmestad; Kevin Hughes; David Roberts; Vincent Rye; John M. Stewart; Jack Wood

doi:10.1117/12.566077

Translator Disclaimer

20 October 2004 Target edge response

Mikhail S. Belen'kii, Patti Gillespie, Gary G. Gimmestad, Kevin Hughes, David Roberts, Vincent Rye, John M. Stewart, Jack Wood

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5550, Free-Space Laser Communications IV; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.566077
Event: Optical Science and Technology, the SPIE 49th Annual Meeting, 2004, Denver, Colorado, United States

Abstract

We investigated an edge response of an extended object in a turbulent atmosphere using imagery data acquired with a double-waveband passive imaging system operating in the visible IR wavebands and an actively illuminated optical sensor. We made two findings. We found that the edge response of an extended object is independent of an exposure time, and an atmospheric tilt does not contribute to the image blur of an extended object. In addition, we found that turbulence-induced image blur for an extended object reduces, not increases, with the imager diameter. Therefore, one can reduce the turbulence-induced image blur for an extended object reduces, not increases, with the imager diameter. Therefore, one can reduce the turbulence-induced blur by increasing aperture diameter of an imaging lens. Both findings contradict the predictions of the conventional imaging theory, suggesting that the conventional theory is not applicable to extended anisoplanatic objects. We provided physical interpretation for the results obtained. In addition, we discussed the mitigation techniques that allow us to reduce both turbulence-induced image blur and edge waviness in optical images.

Citation Download Citation

Mikhail S. Belen'kii, Patti Gillespie, Gary G. Gimmestad, Kevin Hughes, David Roberts, Vincent Rye, John M. Stewart, and Jack Wood "Target edge response", Proc. SPIE 5550, Free-Space Laser Communications IV, (20 October 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.566077

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE