Abstract

We discuss the capability of adaptive optics to increase the performance of laser systems operating in atmospheric turbulence. Our approach is based on the Zernike filter functions, Taylor’s frozen-flow hypothesis, and bandwidth limitations of a realistic servo control system. System performance is analyzed in terms of the Strehl ratio on target. Our results for plane-wave geometry indicate that adaptive optics can be effective even when engaging fast moving targets and that moderate closed-loop bandwidths of ${\sim}{{100}}\;{\rm{Hz}}$ would suffice for most analyzed scenarios. Applications of interest are beam delivery systems and free-space optical communications.

© 2021 Optical Society of America

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