A small, low-cost, turbulence profiling instrument for free-space optical communication

Marcus Birch*, Francis Bennet, Michael Copeland, Doris Grosse, Josephine Munro, Tony Travouillon

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Characterisation and mitigation of atmospheric turbulence is critical for free space optical communication that relies on adaptive optics such as high bit rate coherent modulation or quantum key distribution. Turbulence profiling, i.e. measuring turbulence at different altitudes, provides more detail than typical seeing monitors and supports sophisticated AO and the possibility to forecast conditions. We present the implementation of a Ring-Image Next Generation Scintillation Sensor (RINGSS) instrument that profiles turbulence with a novel approach of defocused ring images introduced by A. Tokovinin (2021)1. RINGSS is exceptionally low-cost, small, and fully automated, requiring significantly simpler equipment than previous turbulence profilers. We have demonstrated preliminary results that demonstrate the capability of this instrument for measurements of seeing and a low resolution turbulence profile. Future work is outlined that includes cross-calibration with a Stereo-SCIDAR instrument recently commissioned on the ANU 2.3m telescope at Siding Spring Observatory and plans for deployment at prospective optical ground station sites for an Australia-New Zealand optical network.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFree-Space Laser Communications XXXV
EditorsHamid Hemmati, Bryan S. Robinson
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510659315
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
EventFree-Space Laser Communications XXXV 2023 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: 30 Jan 20231 Feb 2023

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume12413
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceFree-Space Laser Communications XXXV 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period30/01/231/02/23

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