Optical beam distortions induced by a shock wave

Area of Science:

• Aerodynamics
• Optics
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Supersonic flows over conical bodies generate shock waves.
• Shock waves create spatial inhomogeneity in air's refractive index.

Purpose of the Study:

• To calculate the mean intensity and displacement of optical beams through shock waves.
• To analyze the effects of shock-induced refractive index variations on optical beams.

Main Methods:

• Calculation of optical beam intensity and propagation direction.
• Analysis of spatial inhomogeneity in refractive index.

Main Results:

• Shock waves cause beam focusing and anisotropic intensity distortions.
• Angular displacement depends on shock wave formation height.
• Higher altitudes reduce shock wave influence on optical beams.

Conclusions:

• Shock waves significantly alter optical beam characteristics.
• Altitude is a critical factor in mitigating shock wave effects on light propagation.