Atmospheric turbulence at different elevations: consequences on laser beam wander and widening at target

The estimation of the performance of atmospheric electro-optical systems depends on the accuracy of the atmospheric models being used in the propagation prediction codes. On the basis of a large set of imaging LIDAR measurements a Middle East model of refractive turbulence strength (Cn2) vertical profile has been developed. The model is presented in this work, and laser beam wander and widening at different elevation heights in target plane is estimated. Implications can be important for optical communication, laser weaponry, imaging through the atmosphere, and adaptive optics.

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