GRAND: a 4-D wave optics code for atmospheric laser propagation

摘要

Abstract: A full 4-D wave optics computer code, GRAND, has been developed to study the atmospheric propagation of a high-energy laser beam. The authors perform detailed calculations of non- linear interactions of turbulence and thermal blooming and their effects on high-energy laser beam propagation. The simulation code includes sophisticated models of realistic adaptive optics compensation systems that are used to correct the atmospheric distortions. The propagation code has been used to investigate beam quality amelioration by natural atmospheric dynamics. Arbitrary engagement geometry can be included in code simulations. An overview of the propagation code, its architecture, operational features, and some recent applications are discussed. The 4-D wave optics propagation code is available for collaborative studies in atmospheric optics.!