Multiwavelength Laser Propagation Study
Abstract
During the final semiannual reporting period, experiments were conducted on the effects of large (near-field) transmitter apertures, which under many circumstances have been theoretically predicted to result in a drastic reduction in scintillation. It was found that any such reduction requires highly-precise transmitter adjustments, and cannot be realized without some means of eliminating atmospherically-induced beam wander. In the presence of either strong turbulence or transmitter misadjustment, the beam at the receiver plane consists of a proliferation of transmitter-diffraction-scale spots, with large attendant scintillations. Further interpretation of the theory yields predictions of scintillatin-reductions of practical importance for vertical links; however, fundamental doublts are expressed concerning the validity of the analyses. Also during the reporting period, a long-path field facility was established which will provide a very large integrated-path turbulence level, for detailed study of the statistics of saturated scintillations, and for the demonstration of saturation at the 10.6-micron wavelength.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0747640
Entities
People
- J. R. Kerr