Accounting for optical refractivity and turbulence effects in optical wave propagation over long distances

Mikhail A. Vorontsov; Victor A. Kulikov; Zhijun Yang

doi:10.1117/12.2304472

11 May 2018 Accounting for optical refractivity and turbulence effects in optical wave propagation over long distances

Mikhail A. Vorontsov, Victor A. Kulikov, Zhijun Yang

Proceedings Volume 10650, Long-Range Imaging III; 1065009 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2304472
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2018, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Propagation of optical waves in the atmosphere is influenced by refractive index spatial inhomogeneities resulting from complicated dynamics of air masses. Both large-scale deviations of refractive index (refractivity) and small-scale random refractive index inhomogeneities (turbulence) can significantly impact performance of atmospheric remote sensing systems including both imaging and laser-based electro-optics systems. Typically, in analysis of atmospheric sensing systems only turbulence effects are accounted for. This simplification is justified for only operation at relatively short distances and in absence of strong refractivity layers. In this paper we discuss more general propagation scenarios for which atmospheric refraction can play an important role and could significantly alter the major laser beam and image characteristics. Atmospheric refractivity is described by a combination of the standard MUSA76 and inverse temperature layer models, and atmospheric turbulence effects are accounted for using the classical Kolmogorov turbulence framework with HV57 model for the height profile of the refractive index structure parameter. The numerical analysis demonstrated that both refractivity and turbulence could significantly impact both laser beam propagation and image formation and lead to noticeable anisotropic effects.

Citation Download Citation

Mikhail A. Vorontsov, Victor A. Kulikov, and Zhijun Yang "Accounting for optical refractivity and turbulence effects in optical wave propagation over long distances", Proc. SPIE 10650, Long-Range Imaging III, 1065009 (11 May 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2304472

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available