A Mathematical Framework of Turbulence in Adaptive Optics
Poster Number
119
Session Title
Physical Sciences, Math, and Computer Science
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Mathematics
Abstract
Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology that detects incoming waves that have been disturbed by turbulence and uses mal-formable mirrors to correct for distortion. When waves of light exit the vacuum of space and encounter Earth’s atmosphere, those waves also encounter turbulence, a chaotic fluid motion of air. This turbulent air causes distortion in the light waves. By using a wave sensor to detect incoming waves and a control computer to calculate correction, this can deform the mirror of the telescope to compensate for the distortion and reduce interference, allowing for a clearer image. Here, the present study will decipher and explore the mathematical models critical to AO systems.
Honors Thesis Committee
Zachary Abernathy, Ph.D.; Adam Glover, Ph.D.; and Fatima Amir, Ph.D.
Start Date
24-4-2020 12:00 AM
A Mathematical Framework of Turbulence in Adaptive Optics
Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology that detects incoming waves that have been disturbed by turbulence and uses mal-formable mirrors to correct for distortion. When waves of light exit the vacuum of space and encounter Earth’s atmosphere, those waves also encounter turbulence, a chaotic fluid motion of air. This turbulent air causes distortion in the light waves. By using a wave sensor to detect incoming waves and a control computer to calculate correction, this can deform the mirror of the telescope to compensate for the distortion and reduce interference, allowing for a clearer image. Here, the present study will decipher and explore the mathematical models critical to AO systems.
