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Optical signal path delay fluctuations caused by atmospheric turbulence
Lukas Kral1, Ivan Prochazka, Karel Hamal
1Czech Technical University in Prague, Brehova Street 7, 115 19 Prague 1, Czech Republic. krall@troja.fjfi.cvut.cz
Optics Letters
|August 12, 2005
Summary
Scientists measured atmospheric optical turbulence effects on satellite laser ranging signals for the first time. These optical signal path delay fluctuations, in picoseconds, were quantified, leading to a new atmospheric fluctuation model.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric optics
- Geodesy
- Optical physics
Background:
- Satellite laser ranging (SLR) is a precise geodetic technique.
- Atmospheric turbulence is a known source of error in optical measurements.
- Previous studies have not directly quantified atmospheric turbulence's impact on SLR signal path delay.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly measure optical signal path delay fluctuations caused by atmospheric turbulence.
- To identify random error contributors in satellite laser ranging.
- To develop a model for atmospheric-induced path fluctuations.
Main Methods:
- Experiments utilized satellite laser ranging (SLR) techniques.
- Direct measurements of optical signal path delay fluctuations were performed.
- Data analysis focused on identifying atmospheric contributions to random errors.
Main Results:
- The first direct measurements of optical signal path delay fluctuations due to atmospheric turbulence were achieved.
- Fluctuations were quantified in the picosecond range.
- A model describing these atmospheric-induced path fluctuations was developed.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric optical turbulence introduces measurable picosecond-level path delay fluctuations in SLR.
- Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for improving SLR accuracy.
- The developed model aids in mitigating atmospheric errors in high-precision optical measurements.