Diffraction and geometric-optics approximations in the problem of laser radiation beaming through a turbulent atmosphere to distant moving objects

The Rytov approximation is used to obtain expressions for the correlation function of the phase and amplitude of radiation which experiences phase conjugation and additional rotation on reflection from an adaptive mirror. The rotation allows for the angular aberration and is due to motion of the target. The parameters that ensure that the angular aberration is insufficient to prevent effective energy transfer are found. The range of validity of the geometric-optics method in dealing with this problem is also determined.