An initial evaluation of performance of adaptive optical systems with extended dynamic targets*

Analytical and computer simulation results are presented which show that both multidither and phase conjugate COAT (coherent optical adaptive techniques) performance for extended dynamic targets will be degraded relative to that achievable for point targets. System parameters, target properties, and interaction geometry all strongly influence the degree to which performance will be influenced by target effects. In general, large targets (relative to diffraction pattern dimensions) and those with dynamic rates which cause the power spectrum of the target backscatter to overlap the sensing bands will significantly degrade both dither and conjugate COAT system performance.