Phase Screen Concept in Optical Turbulence

This specialized course focuses on the phase screen technique, a widely used numerical tool for modeling atmospheric turbulence in optical wireless communication, laser beam propagation, and imaging systems. Participants will gain both theoretical and practical insight into how phase distortions caused by turbulent media are simulated using discrete phase screens. The course covers generation of phase screens using Fourier and Zernike-based methods, Kolmogorov and non-Kolmogorov spectrum integration, and statistical validation. Learners will apply phase screen modeling to simulate beam wandering, scintillation, and wavefront distortion, and understand its integration in end-to-end optical link simulators.

• Introduction to Optical Turbulence and Wavefront Distortion: Physical origins of refractive-index fluctuations, phase perturbations in random media, and impact on optical systems.
• Phase Screen Principle: Concept, assumptions, and physical justification of thin-screen modeling. Turbulence Statistics: Kolmogorov spectrum, structure constant Cn2​, inner/outer scales, and spatial frequency representations.
• Phase Screen Generation Techniques: FFT-based methods, subharmonic compensation, Zernike and spectral approaches, thin-screen vs. multi-screen propagation models.
• Temporal Evolution: Taylor’s frozen-flow hypothesis and dynamic screen updates.
• Numerical Implementation: Grid sizing, sampling criteria, aliasing considerations, and parameter tuning.
• Applications in Optical Systems: Laser beam propagation, scintillation and beam wander simulation, PSF/MTF degradation, and adaptive optics evaluation.
• Performance and Acceleration: GPU-based simulation concepts, real-time implications, and optimization strategies.
• Practical Walkthroughs: Example MATLAB/Python workflows for screen generation, validation, and integration into end-to-end optical link simulators.

• Optical wireless / FSO engineers modeling atmospheric effects on beam propagation and link performance

• Photonics and laser system engineers analyzing wavefront distortion, beam spreading, and adaptive optics scenarios

• Researchers and graduate students in optics, photonics, electrical/electronics engineering, and applied physics

• Simulation and numerical-modeling engineers developing MATLAB/Python-based optical channel simulators

• Imaging and adaptive optics practitioners studying PSF degradation and restoration techniques

• R&D teams and technology innovators building end-to-end optical link or sensing simulators