Optimization of Probe Excitation for a Two-Probe Measurement of the Refractive-Index Structure Function Constant of the Atmosphere.

摘要

The study considers the tradeoffs involved in selecting the excitation power for a pair of fine-wire resistance thermal probes for the measurement of the atmospheric refractive-index structure function constant C(N). It is shown that the choice is critical if valid measurements are to be made down to 10to the minus 8th power/m to the 1/3power. The optimum probe excitation found is approximately one microwatt,which is consistent with earlier NRL practice but inconsistent with generally accepted values used elsewhere which range upwards from 10 microwatts. (Author)