Open AccessExperimental evidence for spatial stabilization of deep-turbulence-induced anisoplanatic blur
Author(s) -
Timothy J. Rogne,
Richard G. Paxman,
Brett A. Sickmiller,
Michael A. Rucci,
Candice G. Vollweiler,
David A. Carrara,
Kurt W. Gleichman,
Christopher A. Bailey
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.27.032938
Subject(s) - optics , physics , turbulence , point spread function , radius , image resolution , atmospheric turbulence , field of view , spatial frequency , adaptive optics , meteorology , computer science , computer security
We present field-experiment support for the feasibility of post-detection restoration when imaging through deep turbulence characterized by extreme anisoplanatism. Short-exposure images of point-like and minimally extended objects (MEOs) were collected, viewed through a 5.1-kilometer atmospheric path producing isoplanatic angles roughly 1/15 th the camera diffraction-limited angular resolution. A correlation-based isoplanatic angle measurement technique is presented along with data verifying deep-turbulence conditions. In agreement with prior wave-optics simulations, the experiments demonstrate short-exposure images of MEOs retain a central lobe that is clearly narrower than the long-exposure counterpart, even in the presence of severe anisoplanatism. New simulations are presented to provide direct comparison with measurements of point-like and MEO image central lobe radius statistics.