LASER FOCUSING THROUGH TURBULENT MEDIUM

Methods and systems for performing target-in-the-loop, real-time laser beam phase aberration compensation through a turbulent atmosphere are disclosed. The methods and systems can distinguish between phase aberration contributions from atmospheric turbulence-induced phase aberration and target-induced phase aberration caused by target surface roughness. Selected components of incoming light can be used to define a reversed wavefront and a reverse direction of propagation such that a laser beam returned to a target tends to be concentrated upon a desired region of a target. In this manner, applications such as laser target designation, tracking, pointing, active imaging, and directed energy systems are better facilitated.