Improved vertical refractive-index structure parameter model for the maritime atmosphere based on local bulk meteorological measurements

Colin N. Reinhardt; Stephen M. Hammel; Kevin McBryde; Dimitris Tsintikidis

doi:10.1117/12.973361

24 October 2012 Improved vertical refractive-index structure parameter model for the maritime atmosphere based on local bulk meteorological measurements

Colin N. Reinhardt, Stephen M. Hammel, Kevin McBryde, Dimitris Tsintikidis

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8517, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans; 85170L (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.973361
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The refractive index structure parameter C 2/n(z) as a function of vertical height z, is a key parameter describing the turbulent intensity of the atmosphere, and is important for modeling and predicting beam propagation behavior. Over the past several decades many vertical C 2/n models have been developed, many based on empirical data from field test campaigns involving difficult in situ measurements by radiosondes, or remote-sensing using scidar/lidar/radar techniques. Each model has its own set of limitations and caveats. We have developed an improved C 2/n parametric model for the maritime environment, which uses the Navy Surface-Layer Optical Turbulence model for the low-altitude surface boundary layer, and merges with a generalized Hufnagel-Valley model for the middle- and upper-altitudes (up to 24 km elevation). It takes inputs of local bulk meteorological measurements and forms an estimate of C 2/n based on Monin-Obukhov similarity theory. We present phase-screen wave-optics propagation simulations comparing our improved model with previous models, in terms of turbulence metrics such as Fried's atmospheric coherence width r₀, the scintillation index, and the Strehl ratio for both the weak and strong turbulence regimes, for vertical and slant paths, and for various characteristic regimes of the ratio w₀=r₀, where w₀ is the Gaussian beam waist radius.

Citation Download Citation

Colin N. Reinhardt, Stephen M. Hammel, Kevin McBryde, and Dimitris Tsintikidis "Improved vertical refractive-index structure parameter model for the maritime atmosphere based on local bulk meteorological measurements", Proc. SPIE 8517, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans, 85170L (24 October 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.973361

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available