Optical Filter Function for a Folded Laser Path

摘要

Expressions have been developed for the variance of amplitude and phase of an optical signal propagating over a folded path. A comparison of folded- and straight-path scintillation characteristics indicates that the folded-path scintillations are heavily weighted by larger turbulent scale sizes, and the straight-path scintillations are determined by smaller turbulent sizes. The effects of turbulent scale sizes located at various distances from the laser are examined for both folded and straight paths. Experimental results are presented showing good agreement with the theoretical development. (Author)