Flow Control for Improved Optical Propagation through Turbulent Shear Flows

The proposed Phase II effort will result in the development of new devices for improving optical propagation of both directed energy and free space communication systems. The Phase I effort has demonstrated the feasibility of these devices. The Phase II effort will provide the optimization and maturation needed to bring them to the commercial markets through two paths. The first is a high frequency excitation system developed and implemented for low speed applications like the ATL where improved angle of regard is desirable but no adaptive optic system is planned. The second system consists of a device that creates a dominant stationary disturbance that can be removed with an adaptive optic. The latter system also appears to hold the most promise for implementation in transonic applications. Additionally, the Phase II effort includes the development of a user friendly optical measurement system based on the Malley probe concept, and a system that addresses the shock that will occur in transonic applications.