Adaptive-optics limitations for laser beam propagation along slant paths

In this paper, we use wave-optics simulations to explore adaptive-optics performance for laser beam propagation applications. We construct the simulation model such that the results we obtain represent fundamental limitations. We focus on demonstrating adaptive-optics limitations for laser propagation along slant paths. We evaluate performance for the cases of no compensation, perfect full-phase compensation, perfect full-field compensation, as well as least-squares phase compensation where we also vary the spatial resolution of the correction. The findings we present inform the design of adaptive-optics systems for laser beam propagation applications and provide a means for determining the fundamental limitations of adaptive optics for a given optical-turbulence environment and set of system parameters.