Open AccessValidation of pre-compensation under point-ahead-angle in a 1 km free-space propagation experiment
Author(s) -
Aoife Brady,
Conrad Rößler,
Nina Leonhard,
Marlies Gier,
Paul Böttner,
Ramona Eberhardt,
Andreas Tünnermann,
Claudia Reinlein
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.27.017840
Subject(s) - optics , free space optical communication , compensation (psychology) , physics , adaptive optics , laser , free space , atmospheric optics , beam (structure) , atmospheric turbulence , optical path , optical communication , turbulence , meteorology , psychology , psychoanalysis
Adaptive optical pre-compensation is seen as crucial for free-space laser communication in order to overcome the influence of atmospheric turbulence, particularly with respect to Earth-to-GEO feederlinks. This paper presents an experimental investigation into adaptive optical pre-compensation under large point-ahead-angles. We detail the design and realization of a free-space laser communication experiment over a 1.0 km horizontal path using a divergent beacon beam and a focussed signal beam, propagating in opposite directions. We describe the design and development of our experimental setup and measurement campaign using real turbulence. The median isoplanatic angle was calculated to be 0.16 mrad, while an increase in the received optical power through pre-compensation could be demonstrated for point-ahead-angles in the range of 0.13 mrad to 0.27 mrad.