Description of Atmospheric Turbulence for Linear Propagation of Laser Beams

摘要

The paper considers the fluid mechanical aspects and data relevant to the propagation of low power-density lasers in the atmospheric boundary layer. Its scope includes the following topics: (a) formulation of the role of the turbulent structure in determining phase and amplitude characteristics of received signals, with emphasis on single scattering situations, (b) review of available fluid mechanical data for mean and fluctuating flow properties for various atmospheric conditions, (c) identification of the atmospheric conditions that require complementary fluid mechanical measurements, and (d) problem areas that need further theoretical investigations concerning the effect of atmospheric turbulence on optical wave propagation. (Author)