Abstract

The dynamic fluctuations in the atmospheric refractive index, commonly referred to as optical turbulence, cause phase distortions of the electromagnetic waves propagating through the atmosphere. The consequent scintillations have large implications for free-space optical communication, laser remote sensing, and directed energy applications. The refractive index structure parameter ($C_n^2$), quantifying the strength of these fluctuations, is usually estimated using high-frequency micrometeorological measurements, employing sonic anemometer-thermometers or scintillometers. Despite providing highly accurate information, these systems are immensely complex and costly, especially for frequent field applications and remote locations. In this study, we have developed an empirical multinomial model for estimating $C_n^2$ using three-year macrometeorological data and validated it against collocated and concurrent micrometeorological measurements, from a tropical semi-arid location. This simpler model would be handy for applications in remote locations having weather station measurements alone.

© 2024 Optica Publishing Group

Atmospheric optical turbulence over land in middle east coastal environments: prediction modeling and measurements

Sergey Bendersky, Norman S. Kopeika, and Natan Blaunstein
Appl. Opt. 43(20) 4070-4079 (2004)

Entanglement of near-surface optical turbulence to atmospheric boundary layer dynamics and particulate concentration: implications for optical wireless communication systems

N. Anand, K. Sunilkumar, S. K. Satheesh, and K. Krishna Moorthy
Appl. Opt. 59(5) 1471-1483 (2020)

Reliable model to estimate the profile of the refractive index structure parameter (C_n²) and integrated astroclimatic parameters in the atmosphere

Su Wu, Xiaoqing Wu, Changdong Su, Qike Yang, Jiangyue Xu, Tao Luo, Chan Huang, and Chun Qing
Opt. Express 29(8) 12454-12470 (2021)

Estimation of the refractive index structure parameter from single-level daytime routine weather data

A. van de Boer, A. F. Moene, A. Graf, C. Simmer, and A. A. M. Holtslag
Appl. Opt. 53(26) 5944-5960 (2014)

Validation of refractive index structure parameter estimation for certain infrared bands

Mustafa Sivaslıgil, Cemil Berin Erol, Özgür Murat Polat, and Hüseyin Sarı
Appl. Opt. 52(14) 3127-3133 (2013)