Accession Number:

AD0744472

Title:

Some Observations of Meteorological Effects on Optical Wave Propagation

Descriptive Note:

Research and development technical rept.

Corporate Author:

ARMY ELECTRONICS COMMAND WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE NM ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES LAB

Personal Author(s):

• Pries, Thomas H.
• Smith, Jack
• Hamiter, Marvin

Report Date:

1972-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

23.0

Abstract:

Values for the refractive index structure coefficient, C sub n squared, were determined from spaced temperature probe measurements and from measurements of the log-amplitude variations in a laser beam. The values of C sub n squared obtained from the optical measurements were smaller than the values obtained from the temperature measurements. Variations in C sub n squared derived by the two methods were in good agreement even though the values obtained optically are over a 440-meter path while the temperature-derived values are essentially point measurements. The variations in the measured horizontal winds along the leeward side of the optical path showed a structure closely related to the optically derived C sub n squared variations.

Descriptors:

• *COHERENT RADIATION
• *ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTION
• EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
• ATMOSPHERIC TEMPERATURE
• REFRACTIVE INDEX
• GAS LASERS
• TURBULENCE
• ATMOSPHERIC MOTION

Subject Categories:

• Atmospheric Physics
• Lasers and Masers

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE