Adaptive Optics for Directed Energy: Fundamentals and Methodology

Adaptive optics and related wavefront correction technologies have played a significant role in directed-energy applications. The utility of adaptive optics for wavefront correction of the laser, the optics, and the optical path to a target is discussed. Various error sources are identified and quantified for wavefront correction of the optical path to a target, including turbulence, thermal blooming, and boundary-layer effects at the transmitter. The challenges of each error source in different scenarios result in different design choices for adaptive optics. The choice of laser source also results in different design approaches for adaptive optics and related technologies. The overall beam control architecture must also be considered for best performance. A methodology for integrated assessment of all effects is presented, involving wavefront performance budgets.