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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Three-dimensional Particle Tracking Velocimetry for Turbulence Applications: Case of a Jet Flow
Published on: February 27, 2016
The Aggregate behavior of branch points--measuring the number and velocity of atmospheric turbulence layers
Denis W Oesch1, Darryl J Sanchez, Charles L Matson
1Science Applications International Corporation, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. denis.w.oesch@saic.com
Abstract:
Optical waves propagating through atmospheric turbulence develop spatial and temporal variations in their phase. For sufficiently strong turbulence, these phase differences can lead to interference in the propagating wave and the formation of branch points; positions of zero amplitude. Under the assumption of a layered turbulence model, we show that these branch points can be used to estimate the number and velocities of atmospheric layers. We describe how to carry out this estimation process and demonstrate its robustness in the presence of sensor noise.
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