Fast simulation of a Kolmogorov phase screen

A previously presented method for modeling Kolmogorov phase fluctuations ov er a finite aperture is both formalized and improved on. The method relies on forming an initial low-resolution Kolmogorov phase screen from direct fa ctorization of a covariance. The resolution of the screen is then increased by a randomized interpolation to produce a Kolmogorov phase screen of the desired size. The computational requirement is asymptotically proportional to the number of points in the phase screen. (C) 1999 Optical Society of Am erica.