Evaluating Laser Beam Parameters for Ground-to-space Propagation through Atmospheric Turbulence at the Geochang SLR Observatory

• Published in: Current optics and photonics Vol. 8; no. 4; pp. 382 - 390
• Main Authors: Ji Hyun Pak, Ji Yong Joo, Jun Ho Lee, Ji In Kim, Soo Hyung Cho, Ki Soo Park, Eui Seung Son
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Laser guide stars; Laser beam propagation; Adaptive optics; Atmospheric disturbance
• ISSN: 2508-7266; 2508-7274

Laser propagation through atmospheric disturbances is vital for applications such as laser optical communication, satellite laser ranging (SLR), laser guide stars (LGS) for adaptive optics (AO), and laser energy transmission systems. Beam degradation, including energy loss and pointing errors caused by atmospheric turbulence, requires thorough numerical analysis. This paper investigates the impact of laser beam parameters on ground-to-space laser propagation up to an altitude of 100 km using vertical atmospheric disturbance profiles from the Geochang SLR Observatory in South Korea. The analysis is confined to 100 km since sodium LGS forms at this altitude, and beyond this point, beam propagation can be considered free space due to the absence of optical disturbances. Focusing on a 100-watt class laser, this study examines parameters such as laser wavelengths, beam size (diameter), beam jitter, and beam quality (M2). Findings reveal that jitter, with an influence exceeding 70%, is the most critical parameter for long-exposure radius and pointing error. Conversely, M2, with an influence over 45%, is most significant for short-exposure radius and scintillation.