Investigation of seasonal and diurnal cycles on the height dependence of optical turbulence in the lower atmospheric boundary layer

Detlev Sprung; Peter Grossmann; Erik Sucher

doi:10.1117/12.929806

24 October 2012 Investigation of seasonal and diurnal cycles on the height dependence of optical turbulence in the lower atmospheric boundary layer

Detlev Sprung, Peter Grossmann, Erik Sucher

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8517, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans; 85170K (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.929806
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Analysis of wave propagation in the visible and near infrared (IR) has to take into account the influence of optical turbulence due to variations of temperature. Especially the operation area of most electro-optical systems in the lower atmospheric boundary layer is affected by atmospheric turbulence. The influence of thermal and mechanical turbulence on the height dependency of the structure function parameter of the refractive index Cn² is investigated. Cn² is used for the characterization of optical turbulence. The main focus is set on seasonal and diurnal variations. The variations dependent on atmospheric stability in the surface layer and the nocturnal residual layer are analysed. Results are presented from the long-term experiment VerTurm (Vertical Turbulence Measurements). The experiment is continuously performed since June 2009 in rural country at north-western Germany. The vertical structure of optical turbulence is explored using three different measurement techniques to cover the altitude range between the surface and about 250 m height. Model comparisons are carried out and discussed.

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Detlev Sprung, Peter Grossmann, and Erik Sucher "Investigation of seasonal and diurnal cycles on the height dependence of optical turbulence in the lower atmospheric boundary layer", Proc. SPIE 8517, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans, 85170K (24 October 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.929806

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