Log-amplitude variance and covariance of the scintillation of a diverging optical beam have been measured over a 48-hr period at a wavelength of 0.63[mu], on a 490 and 1000 m optical paths 2 m above the surface of a flat mesa near Boulder, Colorado. Simultaneous measurements of the refractive-index structure of the atmosphere have been obtained from temperature-structure-function measurements at spacings of 1, 3, and 10 cm. A saturation of scintillation occurs for values of log-amplitude variance between 0.5 and 1. After reaching a peak, the log-amplitude variance then decreases with both increasing range and increasing refractive-index turbulence. The spatial covariance of the fluctuations tends to increase in the saturation region. In the unsaturated region, the log-amplitude variance is approximately that predicted by the spherical-wave propagation theory of Tatarski.

Renewed interest in laser communication systems has sparked development of useful new analytic models. This book discusses optical scintillation and its impact on system performance in free-space optical communication and laser radar applications, with a detailed look at propagation phenomena and the role of scintillation on system behavior. Intended for practicing engineers, scientists, and students.