Tracking bandwidth limitations for strong optical-turbulence conditions

Abstract

We derive a modified fundamental tracking frequency that is applicable for beam-control systems that do not employ adaptive-optics compensation. Specifically, we show that there are diminishing returns on tracking faster than the modified fundamental tracking frequency. Furthermore, when D/r0 > 4, where D is the aperture diameter and r0 is the Fried parameter, we show that increasing the track bandwidth alone will not improve system performance. These conclusions result from beam spreading being the dominant driver of decreased system performance, as opposed to beam jitter.