Application of the PPPP method for the determination of DLR pointing, tip/tilt, and wavefront errors

Abstract

Optimal transmission of pulsed laser energy to a target is essential for the maximization of reflected signal power in Debris Laser Ranging (DLR) systems. We describe the use of the PPPP measurement technique to allow compensation for both wavefront aberration, tip/tilt and errors arising from misalignment of the transmit and receive optical axes. This paper provides an update on the bistatic Wavefronts Obtained by Measuring Beam-profiles through Atmospheric Turbulence (WOMBAT) trial1 conducted with the EOS Space Systems 1.8m DLR system2 on Mt Stromlo, Australia, using an adjacent telescope to observe the 170 Hz PPPP intensity profiles.