Tests of an adaptive optical system on a model atmospheric turbulent path

Physical modeling is a powerful tool for studying and testing various technical objects. In tests of an adaptive optical system (AOS), it is necessary to measure phase distortions of real objects (paths, devices, etc.) to identify real requirements and ranges of modeling. This paper presents estimates of modeling conditions and results of AOS tests under model conditions, namely, experimental results of adaptive correction of a laser radiation wavefront in a turbulent atmospheric path ∼100 m long. In the experiments, the standard deviation of the wavefront and the divergence of the radiation before and during the correction were recorded. In some cases, the correction efficiency in terms of standard deviation exceeded 10 times.