High-resolution Undersea Imaging Through Turbulence
 
Ocean Visibility and Optics Lab

Description

Oceanic turbulences driven by surface waves, fresh water influx, temperature, and a host of other mechanisms can severely influence the propagation of light if the turbulent cells are associated with a change in the index of refraction (e.g., due to a difference in temperature or salinity). This is one of the reasons that high-resolution images of the seafloor are difficult to obtain, and consequently more is known about the surfaces of dry, distant planets than about the 71% of Earth’s surface covered by water. To a lesser extent, the same problem is encountered in earth-based stellar observatories. The familiar twinkling of stars is a consequence of atmospheric turbulences observable by the naked eye. Astronomers have developed techniques including adoptive optics, lucky imaging, and Fourier imaging to mitigate these effects. In our present research, we investigate the applicability of Fourier imaging to the ocean environment.


Beam through turbulent free water


Beam through turbulent water

Single slit diffraction through tank

 
FAU Campuses: Boca Raton/Davie/Dania Beach/Fort Lauderdale/Jupiter/Treasure Coast Boca Raton Campus Danie Beach Campus Davie Campus Fort Lauderdale Campus Harbor Branch Campus Jupiter Campus Treasure Campus
Boca Raton Campus Danie Beach Campus Davie Campus Fort Lauderdale Campus Harbor Branch Campus Jupiter Campus Treasure Campus
 Last Modified 8/26/12