Speckle simulation tool for automated modelling of a large range of telescope aperture to fried parameter ratios

TL;DR

The paper introduces SIMULATOR, a versatile lab-based testbed that emulates atmospheric turbulence for testing speckle imaging and post-processing techniques in astronomy.

Contribution

It presents a novel, automated turbulence simulation tool capable of accurately mimicking various site and telescope conditions without manual tuning.

Findings

Simulates 3D atmospheric turbulence with adjustable parameters

Supports a broad range of site and telescope characteristics

Enables testing of speckle imaging techniques in controlled settings

Abstract

The Speckle Imager via MUlti Layer Atmospheric Turbulence Object Reconstructor (SIMULATOR) is a lab-based testbed instrument developed to test for speckle correlation-based techniques in the optical regime. However, this instrument can be used as a testbed against post-processing techniques or algorithms like lucky imaging, phase diversity method etc. The SIMULATOR can emulate 3D atmospheric turbulence behaviour using a three-layer turbulence screen, giving the user command over important site characteristics like wind profile, global fried parameter, global isoplanatic patch, mid-layer and high-layer height effects etc. This testbed is unique in that it can mimic a broad range of site and telescope characteristics accurately without the need for manual intervention or tuning of parameters. The current version can handle a Field of View (FoV) of up to $0.3^{\circ}$, bandwidth ranges from 4860 to 6560 nm and can cover atmospheric turbulence heights up to 83 km.