A Preliminary Comparison of Daylit and Night C(2/n) Profiles Measured by Thermosonde
Abstract
The refractive index structure constant C(2/n) is needed to characterize optical wave propagation in a refractive turbulent scattering medium. A limited number of in situ measurements of C(2/n) made during day and night conditions from the surface to 10 km above sea level are compared in three different atmospheric boundary layer environments: dry convective, moist convective, and marine inversion. C(2/n) on average appears to be higher through the convective boundary layer depth during the day compared to night for the same air mass type and location but is generally lower than night values within the stable marine inversion layer. Calculations of path scintillation effects for slant paths in the lower atmosphere at near-infrared wavelengths are also compared for day and night conditions associated with the different air mass types.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA498303
Entities
People
- John R. Roadcap
- Paul Tracy
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory