Simulation of atmospheric-turbulence image distortion and scintillation effects impacting short-wave infrared (SWIR) active imaging systems

Advanced sensor systems prototypes using active illumination systems hold the promise of both range and background discrimination detection capabilities. However, the impact of optical turbulence on such systems is not minimal. Since these systems operate in the near-visible SWIR band, the influences of both image distortion and illumination pulse scintillation will affect system performance. Understanding the nature of these turbulent impacts can aid in setting system parameters that minimize turbulence degradation while maximizing system performance. In this paper we highlight simulation techniques for modeling image distortion due to a combination of limited isoplanatic patch size and angle of arrival variations due primarily to large scale turbulent eddies. In addition, we discuss the simulation of the laser pulse illumination via phase screen propagation. We then illustrate these effects via simulation of target images.