Blob identification algorithms applied to laser speckle to characterize optical turbulence

Galen D. Cauble; David T. Wayne

doi:10.1117/12.2189108

4 September 2015 Blob identification algorithms applied to laser speckle to characterize optical turbulence

Galen D. Cauble, David T. Wayne

Proceedings Volume 9614, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans IV; 961403 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2189108
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2015, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Laser beam speckle resulting from atmospheric turbulence contains information about the propagation channel. The number and size of the speckle cells can be used to infer the spatial coherence and thus the C_n² along a path. The challenge with this technique is the rapidly evolving speckle pattern and non-uniformity of the speckle cells. In this paper we investigate modern blob counting techniques used in biology, microscopy, and medical imaging. These methods are then applied to turbulent speckle images to estimate the number and size of the speckle cells. Speckle theory is reviewed for different beam types and different regimes of turbulence. Algorithms are generated to calculate path C_n² from speckle information and path geometry. The algorithms are tested on speckle images from experimental data collected over a turbulent 1km path and compared to C_n² measurements collected in parallel.

Citation Download Citation

Galen D. Cauble and David T. Wayne "Blob identification algorithms applied to laser speckle to characterize optical turbulence", Proc. SPIE 9614, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans IV, 961403 (4 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2189108

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available