Improved Adaptive Reconstructor Algorithm Performance using Field Programmable Gate Arrays

"A key element required for the successful implementation of higher performance Adaptive Optics (AO) systems is to increase processor performance while minimize mass, volume, and power consumption. A processor based on Field Programmable Gated Arrays,FPGA, offers significant advantages in implementing an ideal image processing architecture. These include: true parallelism, interface throughput, multiply accumulate throughput, determinism, simplicity, and flexibility. Closely associated with this isthe Adaptive Reconstructor Algorithm, ARA, used to estimate the wave front. The ARA offers significant improvement in AO performance by changing the basic characteristics of the AO loop to minimize the residual slope error. The computational load, memoryrequirement and input-output requirements of the ARA heavily impact the processor. It must be tailored to the resolution and dynamic range (both spatial and temporal) of the DM and the Wave Front Sensor, WFS. It must also be integrated with the dynamicsof the DM control loop so as to enhance the disturbance rejection characteristics of the system. This effort focuses on developing an appropriate ARA to be used in a FPGA implementation to greatly improve overall AO performance. AO systems are an integralcomponent of directed energy and other optical systems. The performance improvements sought with this effort are key to meeting the stringent performance objectives required tracking tar