Simulating atmospheric turbulence using a phase-only spatial light modulator

Abstract

Demonstration of the effect of atmospheric turbulence on the propagation of laser beams is traditionally a difficult task. This is due to the complexities of long-distance measurements and the scarcity of suitable laser wavelengths in atmospheric transmission windows. The authors demonstrate the simulation of atmospheric turbulence in the laboratory using a phase-only spatial light modulator, and illustrate the advantages of this approach, as well as some of the limitations, when using spatial light modulators for this application. They show experimental results demonstrating these limitations, and discuss the impact they have on the simulation of various turbulence strengths.