Abstract

The path integral technique has proved useful for evaluating wave propagation in turbulent media. In this research, this technique is introduced to a turbulent medium with an inhomogeneous background. Here the stationary path is a curved ray and can be computed by using the method of ray tracing. The average intensity of a Gaussian laser beam is evaluated. In using the path integral technique, the propagation axis is defined to be in the launching direction of the laser beam. Therefore, the background refractive index may vary along the axis. A quadratic refractive-index profile for the inhomogeneous background is assumed. Also, the strength of turbulence fluctuation is assumed to be a function of position. The theory developed can be used for the problems of laser beam propagation in a turbulent atmosphere. The results show that the beam in the receiving plane becomes asymmetric. The factor of curved earth surface is included whenever it is necessary.

© 1987 Optical Society of America