Remote Sensing and Imaging Physics: Developing New Metrics for Deep Turbulence Effects on Laser Propagation Through Long Path
Abstract
There is an expanding interest in characterizing atmospheric turbulence effects on laser beams propagating over a long path for directed energy applications. For optical systems, lasers propagating long distances lose their coherence due to the fluctuations in the refractive index. A dominant cause for the refractive index fluctuations, can be attributed to cumulative effect of turbulent eddies present in the atmosphere along the laser beam propagation path. Current analysis of atmospheric turbulence effects is based on theoretical and statistical models derived from the Kolmogorov approach. Supporting experimental evidence helped validate the classical theory of optical propagation. Inaccuracies develop when implementing this model for various conditions like long range propagation, deep atmospheric turbulence, or a combination of both showing experimental results that deviate from the theory. While Kolmogorov approach is still used for long path propagation, further investigation is needed to comprehend its limitations and determine parameters that can describe deep turbulence effects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 10, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1110901
Entities
People
- Vinod Kumar
Organizations
- University of Texas at El Paso