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Abstract
The field of aero-optics deals with the measurement, understanding and correction of the affects of aerodynamics on an optical system. This paper reports on research that resulted in a number of unique diagnostics concepts and methods that can enhance aero-optical tests of imaging and energy projection systems and provide all of the information that is needed to fully characterise the aero-optical properties of a system. Some of these were fielded, tested and proven to be useful; others are still in the concept stage. The fundamental concept is built around a wavefront sensor/recorder, known as the PhaseCamTM, which can record and reconstruct the complete complex optical wave function of a coherent light beam. This paper describes the concepts and methods including applications of optical systems three wind tunnel tests, including Air Force Research Laboratory/Air Vehicles (AFRL/RB) Trisonics Gasdynamics Facility (TGF) DEBI-FX tests, Subsonic Aerodynamics Research (SORL) turret tests and Ohio State University cavity flow tests. This paper describes the demonstrated methods and test results and also provides a roadmap for future improvements and unique variations of the measurement concept that could further add to the aero-optical engineering tool box and revolutionise the way wavefronts are characterised in aero-optical testing.
This project was supported by a US Air Force AFRL/RB Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The project officer was Don Saunders. Dr Drew L’Esperance and Eddie Scott of MetroLaser, Inc. carried out a major part of the reported experiments. Experiments at Ohio State University were conducted with the assistance of Professors Mo Samimy, Walter Lempert and Jacob George.