Abstract

The blurring of an underwater-generated signal by its transmission through a wavy air-water interface is often ignored in radiative-transfer calculations. This paper treats the effect statistically (assuming a Gaussian distribution of surface-wave slopes) and as a function of wind speed. Surface refraction, Fresnel-transmission coefficient, and signal broadening from underwater propagation are included in the calculation. The results show that surface-wave-induced blurring can be significant for long integration times, even at moderate wind speeds.

© 1990 Optical Society of America