The optical beam spread and the optical beam quality factor in the presence of both an initial quartic phase aberration and atmospheric turbulence is analyzed. We obtain analytical expressions for both the mean-square beam radius and the beam quality factor using the moment method. We compare these expressions to the results from Monte Carlo simulations, which allows us to mutually validate the theory and the Monte Carlo simulation codes. We also discuss the reason for the discrepancy between the moment method and the classical approach for calculating the ensemble-averaged mean-square beam radius in a turbulent atmosphere that is described by Andrews and Phillips and by Fante.

The most recent developments on the propagation of microwave and optical beams in turbulent media, such as the clear atmosphere are discussed. Among the phenomena considered are beam spreading, beam wander, loss of coherence, scintillations, angle-of-arrival variations, and short pulse effects. Also included is a discussion of methods of compensation of the effect of turbulence on communications and imaging systems.

The most recent developments on the propagation of microwave and optical beams in turbulent media, such as the clear atmosphere are discussed. Among the phenomena considered are beam spreading, beam wander, loss of coherence, scintillations, angle-of-arrival variations, and short pulse effects. Also included is a discussion of methods of compensation of the effect of turbulence on communications and imaging systems.

The pertinent theoretical background and the results of a group of experiments conducted over 0.4- and 1.17-km near-ground horizontal ranges are presented. (1) The log-amplitude variances for HeNe (0.633 μm) and CO2 (10.6 μm) laser beams were found to have a ratio of 26.8, which is in close agreement with the predictions of Rytov-based spherical-wave theory. (2) Published measurements of the saturation level of the log-amplitude variance are reviewed and several inconsistencies noted. (3) The spatial correlation function of irradiance field was measured and found to agree with theory. The degree of correlation between different frequency beams which had traversed the same optical path was also measured and compared to theory. The data exhibited an unacceptably large scatter and did not show the wavelength dependence. (4) The log-normal, Rayleigh, and Rice probability distributions are discussed in terms of their applicability to irradiance statistics. Relatively weak 10.6 μm irradiance fluctuations were found to be equally well described by the log-normal and Rice distributions; strong fluctuations obtained at 0.488 μm were clearly best described by the log-normal distribution.

Due to the wide application of adaptive optical systems, an understanding of optical wave propagation in randomly inhomogeneous media has become essential, and several numerical models of individual AOS components and of efficient correction algorithms have been developed. This monograph contains detailed descriptions of the mathematical experiments that were designed and carried out during more than a decade's worth of research.

With contributions by numerous experts

Optical beam propagation through oceanic waters is explored using a recently proposed model for the refractive index fluctuations in oceanic turbulence. The model provides an accurate depiction of the ocean through the inclusion of both temperature and salinity fluctuations to the index of refraction. Beam characteristics of fundamental importance to communication links, remote sensing, and laser radar links are explored including intensity, degree of coherence, and scintillation. Theoretical values of these parameters are found through the use of classical Rytov theory and compared to those found using a numerical optics random phase screen simulation. The impact of the oceanic turbulence is compared with that found in atmospheric turbulence as well as other random media such as biological tissue. The results presented serve as a foundation for the study of optical beam propagation in oceanic turbulence comparable to the widely studied area of propagation through atmospheric turbulence.