Analysis of an optical turbulence profile using complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition

We obtain an intrinsic optical turbulence model using a data-driven method named complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition. First, the measured profile of a refractive index structure parameter is decomposed into a set of intrinsic mode functions and a residue. The components are tested against white noise to determine the statistical significance. Meanwhile, the physical meanings of the IMFs are revealed using meteorological data that agrees with previous research. Second, the effect of noisy oscillations, quasi-cyclical variations, and the trend on the overall profile are evaluated by the variance contribution rate. Third, the intrinsic optical turbulence model is defined. The combination of different IMFs with the residue forms intrinsic optical turbulence profiles, by which the stratification structures on different scales are embedded into the model. Comparison with other models highlights the virtue of the intrinsic optical turbulence model.