Preliminary VHF radar and high-data-rate optical turbulence profile observations using a balloon-ring platform

Frank D. Eaton; Gregory D. Nastrom; Demos T. Kyrazis; Don G. Black; Wiley T. Black; R. Alastair Black

doi:10.1117/12.827294

12 August 2009 Preliminary VHF radar and high-data-rate optical turbulence profile observations using a balloon-ring platform

Frank D. Eaton, Gregory D. Nastrom, Demos T. Kyrazis, Don G. Black, Wiley T. Black, R. Alastair Black

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7463, Atmospheric Optics: Models, Measurements, and Target-in-the-Loop Propagation III; 746309 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.827294
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A recent measurement campaign at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. involved taking simultaneous observations with a VHF radar and high-data-rate (1-micron diameter) platinum wires to sense optical turbulence (from temperature fluctuations). The radar observations produce profiles of the refractive index structure parameter (C²_n ), the turbulent kinetic energy (σ²_t ), the eddy dissipation rate (ε), the inner scale (l_o ), the outer scale (L_o ) of turbulence, and wind speed and direction to an altitude of 20 km AGL. The fine wire measurements were taken from the surface with several sensors mounted on a balloon-ring platform sampling in excess of 3 kHz to balloon burst altitudes (typically above 25 km AGL). The main objectives of this effort are to compare the two measurement techniques and to obtain observations that can address several fundamental turbulence issues of the real turbulent atmosphere related to laser beam propagation. To date, modeling and simulation of laser beam propagation through atmospheric turbulence have relied upon a traditional theoretical basis that assumes the existence of homogeneous, isotropic, stationary, and Kolmogorov turbulence. Results presented from the radar observations include C²_n, σ²_t, ε, l_o, and the standard deviation of vertical velocity (σ_w). A comparison of the profiles of C²_n obtained from the two measurement techniques is shown and discussed. A time series of temperature data obtained from a fine wire probe traversing one radar range gate is presented and discussed. Future measurement and analysis efforts are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Frank D. Eaton, Gregory D. Nastrom, Demos T. Kyrazis, Don G. Black, Wiley T. Black, and R. Alastair Black "Preliminary VHF radar and high-data-rate optical turbulence profile observations using a balloon-ring platform", Proc. SPIE 7463, Atmospheric Optics: Models, Measurements, and Target-in-the-Loop Propagation III, 746309 (12 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.827294

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