System and method for real-time inflight measurements of aero-optical quantities using an onboard wavefront sensor

Abstract

A system and a method for measuring, correcting, and implementing real-time adjustments for aero-optical effects for vehicle-based optical systems used in high speed or turbulent scenarios are provided. The system and method may include obtaining, via an imaging system, a wavefront measurement of air flow in a high speed or turbulent environment. The imaging system may include a wavefront sensor and optical components within a module and configured for manipulating a laser beam, and an optical window for transmitting the laser beam in-and-out through the optical window (e.g., in a beam director or 'turret'). The imaging system may comprise, outside the module, a reflector or mirror positioned along an optical axis and configured to receive and reflect the laser beam from the optical window. The method may include determining wavefront distortions of the laser beam based on the wavefront measurement and determining optical degradation based on the wavefront distortions.