Limitations of segmented wavefront control devices in emulating optical turbulence

Using a device to act as a surrogate for atmospheric turbulence in a laboratory is necessary to build and test optical systems for imaging, lidar, laser weapons, and laser communications. Liquid-crystal spatial light modulators (LC SLMs) and segmented micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) deformable mirrors (DMs) are common devices for altering wavefronts to simulate a portion of atmospheric turbulence. The limitations of pixelation effects on a segmented wavefront control device were investigated theoretically. The results of this analysis were then verified by simulation. It was found that while LC SLMs with fine pixel resolution have almost no adverse effects from pixelation, segmented MEMS DMs have limitations related to the number of mirror segments on a DM. The performance capabilities of several available commercial devices are better understood as a result of this research.