Analytical, experimental, and computer-simulation results on the interactive effects of speckle with multidither adaptive optics systems*

A comprehensive study of the interactive effects of multidither adaptive optics (COAT) systems with the spurious signals induced by speckle modulations is presented. An analysis based on a statistical model of a COAT system is developed in order to predict convergence levels in the presence of such modulations. A computer simulation study of these effects is also presented. Good agreement is found between the data gathered in both of these studies. In order to further corroborate these results, experimental data is then presented. These data were gathered using a laboratory model of a COAT system interacting with a real target that produced speckle modulations.