Sensing refractive-turbulence profiles (Cn2) using wavefront phase measurements from multiple reference sources

Byron M. Welsh

doi:10.1117/12.46554

1 July 1991 Sensing refractive-turbulence profiles (C_n²) using wavefront phase measurements from multiple reference sources

Byron M. Welsh

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1487, Propagation Engineering: Fourth in a Series; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46554
Event: Orlando '91, 1991, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

A new technique for sensing refractive-turbulence profiles is described. The technique is based on performing a spatial correlation of the measured wave front phase from two reference sources. This technique is unique in that the correlation properties of the wave front phase are used instead of the more common approach of using optical scintillations. The geometry between the reference sources and the two wave front sensor apertures is arranged such that the two optical paths cross at some point in front of the sensor plane. The wave front phase for each reference source is reconstructed from the measured wave front sensor data. A spatial correlation of the two reconstructed phase maps is performed. From this correlation, a measure of the structure constant of the refractive index fluctuations C2n can be extracted. The resolution of the technique depends on the angle between the optical paths, the spatial frequency response the wave front sensors, and the size of the wave front sensor apertures. For sensing the vertical profile of C2n, resolution on the order of 50 meters can be obtained by using sources separated by 0.17 degrees.

Citation Download Citation

Byron M. Welsh "Sensing refractive-turbulence profiles (C_n²) using wavefront phase measurements from multiple reference sources", Proc. SPIE 1487, Propagation Engineering: Fourth in a Series, (1 July 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46554

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