Adaptive optics beacon mutual coherence function modeling and assessment with diverse conditions

Presented here is a comparison of partially coherent adaptive optics (AO) beacons simulated with analytical Gaussian-Schell Model (GSM) sources, and extended incoherent AO beacons simulated with more conventional techniques. An analysis of Mutual Coherence Functions (MCFs) is performed with a variety of simulation conditions generated with a single software package developed under the AO Beacon effort. Wavefront sensor and AO beacon performance are compared for both types of beacons under various scenarios, including ground-space and air-air propagations with different types of wavefront sensors in both open-loop and closed-loop operation of the AO system.