Methodology Investigation Final Report Desert Atmospheric Effects on Target Acquisition
Abstract
Deleterious effects on electrooptical wave propagation through the atmosphere's surface boundary layer are caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations. These effects on the refractive index are parameterized in the form of the refractive index structure parameter Cn2, which is a function of the temperature (CT 2) and humidity (CQ 2) structure parameters and the temperature- humidity cross-structure parameter (CTQ). The magnitude of CTQ is determined by the frequency-dependent correlation rTQ between temperature and humidity fluctuations. Many researchers assume, based on dimensional analysis techniques, that rTQ is unity and treat CTQ and Cn2 as Monin-Obukhov similarity variables. This assumption can lead to large errors for propagation modeling, particularly when applied to infrared and millimeter wavelength propagation in desert atmospheric conditions. Measurements needed to define rTQ in a desert environment are lacking due to instrumentation deficiencies. Additional instrumentation and methodology development is needed to define temperature- humidity correlation effects on Cn2. Target acquisition models can then be updated to provide more reliable predictions of atmospheric effects on target acquisition.... Target Acquisition, Spectrum Analysis, Desert, Millimeter Wave, Meteorology, Refractive Index.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA260956
Entities
People
- Christopher A. Biltoft