Simulation of optical wave propagation through atmospheric turbulence using phase screens : a study of the turbulence impact on metrics

Details

Supervisors

Oestges, Claude ; Jacques, Laurent

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil électricien, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Phase screen propagation is a method used to simulate turbulent atmosphere via computation. It performs free propagation between diffractive layers, called phase screens, intended to symbolise the turbulent atmosphere. The main objective of this master thesis is to use metrics to describe the impact of the atmospheric turbulence on the Earth to satellite propagation of an optical wave. Therefore, a Python simulation tool has been developed to execute phase screens propagation. It applies Fresnel diffraction formula for free propagating and subharmonic generation of phase screen for representing the turbulence. The impact of turbulence on the propagated optical wave is analysed at constant turbulence. On top of that, physical turbulence profiles are also studied to investigate the impact of the wind and ground turbulence on telecommunications metrics.