Analysis of free-space laser signal intensity over a 2.33 km optical path

Arnold Tunick

doi:10.1117/12.730958

25 September 2007 Analysis of free-space laser signal intensity over a 2.33 km optical path

Arnold Tunick

Proceedings Volume 6708, Atmospheric Optics: Models, Measurements, and Target-in-the-Loop Propagation; 670802 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.730958
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The probability distribution of aperture averaged signal intensity from free-space laser optical systems depends on the optical turbulence along the optical path. For most current free-space laser systems, random fluctuations of signal intensity are assumed to be statistically homogeneous and isotropic. Moreover, it is assumed that probability distributions are generally log-normal and that Kolmogorov -5/3 wave number turbulence power law represents the signal intensity data. In this paper, the Kolmogorov model is investigated for an optical path that traverses a complex non-uniform topography. Experimental research is conducted to determine the characteristic behavior of high frequency (2000 Hz) signal intensity data collected over a 2.33 km optical path at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Atmospheric Laser Optics Testbed (A_LOT) Facility. Results focus mainly on calculated power spectra and frequency distributions. In addition, a model is developed to calculate optical turbulence intensity (C2/n) as a function of receiving (and transmitting) aperture diameter, log-amplitude variance, and path length. Here, initial comparisons of calculated to measured C2/n data are favorable. It is anticipated that this kind of signal data analysis will benefit laser communication systems development and testing at the ARL.

Citation Download Citation

Arnold Tunick "Analysis of free-space laser signal intensity over a 2.33 km optical path", Proc. SPIE 6708, Atmospheric Optics: Models, Measurements, and Target-in-the-Loop Propagation, 670802 (25 September 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.730958

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