Validity of Kolmogorov turbulence at higher elevations

Arkadi Zilberman; Ephim Golbraikh; Norman S Kopeika

doi:10.1117/12.506848

27 January 2004 Validity of the Kolmogorov turbulence at higher elevations

Arkadi Zilberman, Ephim Golbraikh, Norman S Kopeika

Proceedings Volume 5160, Free-Space Laser Communication and Active Laser Illumination III; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506848
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Atmospheric turbulence and aerosol particles are significant sources of laser-based and imaging system performance degradation. Quantitative estimation and characterization of turbulence and aerosol properties in the atmosphere therefore are very important for system development and applications (optical communications, laser weaponry, image restoration, etc.) To investigate the influence of aerosols and turbulence on laser-based sensing systems and to profile aerosol extinction, size distribution, and turbulence strength, a LIDAR system was developed. The new setup combines LIDAR and imaging techniques and permits measurement of aerosol and turbulence vertical profiles near simultaneously. It is usually assumed that the turbulent field is of the Kolmogorov type and calculations of intensity and angle of arrival fluctuations variance and other parameters for prediction of optical systems performance are based on this type of turbulence. However, we find that in the atmospheric boundary layer and at higher altitudes the turbulence can be different from Kolmogorov’s case. In this work, on the basis of LIDAR measurements, we investigate spectra of aerosol concentration fluctuations at different altitude elevations and at different wavelengths and use the results for turbulence strength profile retrieval. The turbulence profile retrieval technique is based on LIDAR measurements of angle of arrival fluctuation variance. Implications can be important for optical communication and imaging through the atmosphere.

Citation Download Citation

Arkadi Zilberman, Ephim Golbraikh, and Norman S Kopeika "Validity of the Kolmogorov turbulence at higher elevations", Proc. SPIE 5160, Free-Space Laser Communication and Active Laser Illumination III, (27 January 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506848

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