Nondimensional beam parameters and the wave structure function

摘要

Two pairs of nondimensional beam parameters are identified, either of which combined with wavelength and path length completely characterizes the diffractive propagation environment of a Gaussian beam. One pair is associated with the beam radius and radius of curvature at the transmitter while the other pair is associated with these same quantities at the receiver. The fundamental nature of the receiver parameters is revealed in the simple analytic forms for the wave structure function derived under the assumption of a modified Kolmogorov spectral model for refractive index fluctuations.