Uplink Laser Propagation Measurements Through the Sea Surface, Haze and Clouds
Abstract
An Airborne Optical Receiver (AOR) was developed and tested to investigate the propagation and reception of optical communications uplinks from a submerged laser source to an overflying fleet aircraft. The AOR was flown in a P-3C Orion aircraft for an at-sea test off the southern California coast in August, 1990. A green laser transmitter was suspended from the Research Platform FLIP at depths of 15 to 45 m. During six nights of operations, the AOR received the laser light at various test geometries and through clear and cloudy conditions. This represents the first optical uplink cloud experiment at visible wavelengths. Results show that optical pulses in clouds are significantly more forward-scattered than modeled. The results can be explained by Mie scattering theory. Measured cloud attenuation and pulse stretching agreed with an existing optical propagation model. Significant attenuation and signal spreading due to haze and fog was measured and compared with theory.... Lasers, Air-based optical radiation detection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264687
Entities
People
- G. T. Kaye
- Michael Lovern
- Roger Nies
Organizations
- Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center