Unwrapped-phase distribution model for speckle and turbulence

A model for the unwrapped phase of a speckle field that propagates through clear air turbulence is proposed, and a formulation for the probability density function of the unwrapped phase is developed. A method is given to obtain the parameters of the unwrapped density function from parameters of the diffuse target, the laser source, and the atmosphere. Unwrapped-phase measurements at an atmospheric test site with a CO(2) laser show agreement with the model.