Beam propagation simulation of phased laser arrays with atmospheric perturbations

Directed energy phased array (DEPA) systems have been proposed for novel applications such as beaming optical power electrical use on remote sensors, rovers, spacecraft and future moon bases, well planetary defense against asteroids photonic propulsion up to relativistic speeds. All scenarios involve transmission through atmosphere beam perturbations due turbulence which must be quantified. Numerical propagation feedback control simulations were performed using an algorithm optimized efficient calculation of real-time dynamics in a Kolmogorov atmosphere. Results used quantify the effectiveness system design with different degrees atmospheric zenith angles, it was found that large aperture DEPA placed at high altitude site is capable producing stable diffraction limited spot (Strehl > 0.8) space-based targets Fried length r_0 10 cm (@500nm) angles 60 depending conditions. These results are promising next generation deep space exploration applications.