Modeling microphysical influences on optical turbulence

Arnold Tunick

doi:10.1117/12.677683

1 September 2006 Modeling microphysical influences on optical turbulence

Arnold Tunick

Proceedings Volume 6303, Atmospheric Optical Modeling, Measurement, and Simulation II; 630305 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.677683
Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Optical turbulence is important because it can significantly degrade the performance of electro-optical and infrared sensors, such as free-space laser communications and infrared imaging systems. Changes in the refractive index of air along the transmission path of an optical system in free space can influence traveling light waves temporally and spatially causing blurring, scintillation, and bean wander. If left uncompensated, these effects could cause fades and surges in transmitted signals and result in high bit errors in communicated data. An earlier paper discussed the growing need for increasingly accurate and reliable numerical models to predict optical turbulence conditions, especially in complex (non-uniform) signal propagation environments. Hence, we present a finite-difference computer model to predict the microphysical (microclimate) influences on optical turbulence (C_n²) around the ARL A_LOT Facility and its surroundings, e.g., forests and multiple buildings. Our multi-dimensional prototypical model begins to address optical turbulence conditions along more complex optical lines-of-site and account for inhomogeneities in C_n² brought about by horizontal changes in landscape, wind flow, temperature, and humidity. We anticipate that this kind of computational research will be an important vehicle for investigating C_n² and related laser-optic propagation effects in complex areas.

Citation Download Citation

Arnold Tunick "Modeling microphysical influences on optical turbulence", Proc. SPIE 6303, Atmospheric Optical Modeling, Measurement, and Simulation II, 630305 (1 September 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.677683

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