Average Irradiance and Irradiance Variance of Laser Beams in Turbulent Media,
Abstract
A semi-empirical model of laser beam propagation in turbulence is written in the form of a closed set of second-order partial differential equations for the first- and second-order amplitude moments. The equations are linear, contain only algebraic coefficients, and are uniformly valid over the complete propagation range. The hypothesis of normal probability distribution of the complex wave amplitude is shown to be consistent with the stochastic wave equation, and is used to obtain the irradiance variance in terms of the first- and second-order amplitude moments. Solutions for average irradiance and irradiance variance profiles of laser beams are easily and quickly calculated by a numerical finite difference method. Predictions agree very well with experimental data in the atmosphere and in a simulation medium. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA056642
Entities
People
- L. R. Bissonnette