Measuring the refractive index gradient of the atmosphere

Details Measuring the refractive index gradient of the atmosphere Measuring the refractive index gradient of the atmosphere

Oct 2005

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005spie.5981...96c&link_type=abstract

Optics in Atmospheric Propagation and Adaptive Systems VIII. Edited by Stein, Karin; Kohnle, Anton. Proceedings of the SPIE, V

Physics

Optics

Scientific paper

We recently developed a method1 to measure the gradient of the refractive index of the atmosphere, by using the lateral fluctuations of thin laser beams along a given path. We showed that the horizontal and vertical instantaneous fluctuations of a ray on a screen, at the end of a path of length L, are related to the horizontal and vertical components, averaged along the path, of the refractive index gradient, respectively. Our method, which is based on the geometrical optics approximation, requires that the beams are "thin", that is that their transverse dimension be not larger than the dimensions of the smallest inhomogeneities of the atmosphere (inner scale of turbulence). In practice, it allows "local" measurements, that is measurements over short horizontal paths, even few meters' paths. Experiments were made in the open air. Here we describe the method and present results of measurements made in different locations and conditions, at near ground levels. Temperature and transverse wind velocity were also measured and some correlation of these quantities to the refractive index gradient will be presented. Some cases of strong vertical anisotropy are also shown, which can be related to the local air convective movements from the ground.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Measuring the refractive index gradient of the atmosphere does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Measuring the refractive index gradient of the atmosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Measuring the refractive index gradient of the atmosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1659160