Implementation of a phase-only spatial-light modulator for an atmospheric turbulence simulator at the short wavelength infrared regime

Modeling and simulating the atmosphere in a controlled environment has been a study of interest to scientists for decades. The development of new technologies allows scientists to perform this task in a more realistic and controlled environment and provides a powerful tool for the study and better understanding of the propagation of light through the atmosphere. Technologies like Free-space laser communications (FSLC) and/or studies on light propagation through the atmosphere are areas which constantly benefit from breakthroughs in the development of atmospheric turbulence simulators. In this paper we present the results of the implementation of a phase only spatial light modulator (SLM) as an atmospheric turbulence simulator at the Short-Wave Infra-Red (SWIR) regime and its use with a FSLC system.