Enhanced backscatter of optical beams reflected in atmospheric turbulence

W. Nelson; J. P. Palastro; C. Wu; C. C. Davis

doi:10.1117/12.2062946

7 October 2014 Enhanced backscatter of optical beams reflected in atmospheric turbulence

W. Nelson, J. P. Palastro, C. Wu, C. C. Davis

Proceedings Volume 9224, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans III; 922411 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2062946
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2014, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Optical beams propagating through the atmosphere acquire phase distortions from turbulent fluctuations in the refractive index. While these distortions are usually deleterious to propagation, beams reflected in a turbulent medium can undergo a local recovery of spatial coherence and intensity enhancement referred to as enhanced backscatter (EBS). Using simulations, we investigate the EBS of optical beams reflected from mirrors, corner cubes, and rough surfaces, and identify the regimes in which EBS is most distinctly observed. Standard EBS detection requires averaging the reflected intensity over many passes through uncorrelated turbulence. Here we present an algorithm called the “tilt-shift method” which allows detection of EBS in static turbulence, improving its suitability for potential applications.

Citation Download Citation

W. Nelson, J. P. Palastro, C. Wu, and C. C. Davis "Enhanced backscatter of optical beams reflected in atmospheric turbulence", Proc. SPIE 9224, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans III, 922411 (7 October 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2062946

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