Development of a Data Analysis System for the Detection of Lower Level Atmospheric Turbulence with an Acoustic Sounder.
Abstract
Atmospheric density fluctuations induce phase perturbations that degrade the spatial coherence of a laser beam propagating through the atmosphere. These degradations spread the laser beam and alter the centroid are found at virtually all levels of the atmosphere. A substantial fraction of the optical turbulence along a vertical path arises from the heat flux between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. This type of turbulence is typically within the first 100 to 200 meters above the surface. During this thesis research, a high frequency acoustic sounder was developed to analyze this turbulent layer. The primary focus was the development of the command and control software required to coordinate the data collection and reduction. The system was used at two sites and should prove useful in quantifying the effects of optical turbulence within the surface boundary layer on laser and optical system performance. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA184972
Entities
People
- Michael R. Wroblewski
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School