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Refractive turbulence strength estimation based on the laser echo signal amplification effect
Optics Letters
|October 18, 2016
Summary
This study demonstrates lidar can measure atmospheric refractive turbulence strength using backscattering amplification. Results show a correlation between amplification factor and optical image jitter, linked to turbulence fluctuations.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric optics
- Remote sensing
Background:
- Atmospheric turbulence affects optical signal propagation.
- Measuring refractive turbulence strength is crucial for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using lidar for measuring refractive turbulence strength.
- To establish a correlation between backscattering amplification and turbulence parameters.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing lidar technology to probe atmospheric conditions.
- Analyzing the backscattering amplification effect.
- Measuring the variance of random jitter in optical images of incoherent light sources.
Main Results:
- Experimental data confirms the possibility of lidar measurement of refractive turbulence strength.
- A novel correlation was found between the amplification factor and the variance of optical image jitter.
- This correlation is dependent on the structure constant of air refractive index turbulent fluctuations.
Conclusions:
- Lidar measurement of refractive turbulence strength is feasible using backscattering amplification.
- The observed correlation provides a new method for characterizing atmospheric turbulence.
- This technique offers potential for improved atmospheric monitoring and remote sensing applications.
