Abstract

The primary objective of this task is to determine the irradiance distribution of a spaceborne communication system at the surface of the ocean as a function of the laser properties, the optical configuration, diffraction propagation, and atmospheric scattering. In order to make best use of the energy available from the spaceborn laser communications system it is desirable' to have uniform illumination in the target region on the surface of the earth. If the illumination is significantly nonuniform, it will be necessary to specify the system parameters such as laser power and the area of illumination on the basis of the minimum irradiance. This will result in increased cost and reduced effectiveness of the system.

© 1987 Optical Society of America