Validation of HTS optical turbulence profiling via sonic anemometry

Previous turbulence measurements along a near-ground, 500 m, horizontal path using two helium-neon laser beacons and a Hartmann Turbulence Sensor (HTS) yielded profiles of Cn^2 by measuring local aberrated wavefront tilts. The profiles were consistent with Cn^2 values collected along the same path by a BLS900 scintillometer. Further validation of the HTS profiling method is necessary to produce accurate optical turbulence profiles for wavefront correction. To add confidence to the HTS dual-beacon profiling method, four sonic anemometers were added along the path to indirectly measure values of Cn^2. Comparison of the independently measured data sets helps legitimize the HTS turbulence profiling method. Propagation over an equal parts grass and concrete path ensured the turbulence profile is more varied. Cn^2 profiles in this work derived from HTS data captured on 25 and 26 July 2019 agreed strongly with the collocated anemometer and BLS measurements.

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