A research associate at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Laser and Optics Research Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is developing a new capability that will allow satellites to be seen and see clearer.

Dr. Geoff Andersen developed the process, called holographic adaptic optics, that uses sensors and lenses that can correct for disturbances in the atmosphere. Atmospheric disturbances can interfere with ground-based optical telescope's abilities to clearly see satellites orbiting the earth. Dr. Andersen's process uses adaptive technology to compensate for this interference. "Think of it like wearing a pair of glasses," Dr. Anderson said. "When someone has poor eyesight, the prescription compensates for this and makes his or her eyesight better. This process is similar. It uses adaptive optics so telescopes can see into space better."

This is important to the Air Force as it will allow the service to better see its satellites. For instance, if a satellite stops communicating with personnel on the ground, they can view it on a telescope to determine what caused it to go off the grid. Air Force officials have been using various forms of technology to view its satellites for several decades, but the equipment used to perform this is expensive, computer intensive, and large in size. This new system, which Dr. Andersen has the patent for, uses holograms and is condensed into a device the size of a standard DVD player. This makes it cheaper and opens the door to new possibilities. "We could place one of these devices on a satellite and then the satellite would be able to see down to earth with a crystal image," Dr. Andersen said.

Devices could also be placed on unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs), allowing them to produce a clearer image for combatant commanders. UAS' are perfect candidates for this technology due to their type and height of flight, Dr. Andersen said, as "UAS' produce their own turbulence when flying and they tend to fly in the general area where atmospheric interference is high. This new technology would eliminate these problems and allow the UAS to produce a high-quality, sharp image." The adaptive optics technology goes beyond having only military applications. It also has uses within the medical arena -- especially that of laser eye surgery. Capabilities aside, Dr. Andersen said he is proud to be instrumental in the creation of this holographic technology. He's also proud of the cadets he teaches and who help him on a daily basis.

(Source + photo credit: United States Air Force)