Effects of saturation on the optical scintillometer

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric optics
• Turbulence measurement

Background:

• Optical scintillometers measure atmospheric turbulence (C(2)(n)) using scintillation variance.
• Existing theory accurately describes weak scattering conditions for aperture-averaged scintillation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the performance of optical scintillometers under strong scattering conditions.
• To theoretically model and experimentally validate the effects of strong scattering on scintillation measurements.
• To determine the extended range of validity for optical scintillometers.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical calculations of strong scattering effects on aperture-averaged scintillation variance.
• Experimental measurements using an optical scintillometer under varying atmospheric conditions.
• Comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental data.

Main Results:

• Optical scintillometers maintain accuracy in weak scattering, even when point detectors show strong scintillation.
• Strong scattering effects become significant for long propagation paths, deviating from weak scattering theory.
• Theoretical models successfully predict and experimental results validate these strong scattering effects.

Conclusions:

• The optical scintillometer's operational range is extended beyond weak scattering conditions.
• Understanding strong scattering is critical for accurate turbulence measurements over extended distances.
• This research provides a foundation for improved atmospheric turbulence monitoring using optical scintillometers.