Abstract

The log-irradiance variance of an intense laser beam that propagates in an absorbing medium with a turbulent velocity is determined. The irradiance fluctuations result from the random refractive-index variations created by turbulent convection of the energy absorbed from the beam. The index of refraction, assumed to depend only upon temperature, is found by linearizing the heat-transport equation. Linearization is shown to be valid because of the finite extent of the induced temperature gradient. The results are valid in the geometrical-optics approximation with the restriction that l₀/5.91 ≪ a ≪ L₀, where l₀ and L₀ are the inner and outer scales of turbulence, respectively, and a is the laser-beam radius.

© 1974 Optical Society of America

Physical model for strong optical-amplitude fluctuations in a turbulent medium

H. T. Yura
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 64(1) 59-67 (1974)

Strong irradiance fluctuations in turbulent air, III. Diffraction cutoff*

D. A. de Wolf
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 64(3) 360-365 (1974)

Irradiance fluctuations of a spherical wave propagating under saturation conditions*

H. T. Yura
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 64(11) 1526-1530 (1974)

Log-Amplitude Fluctuations of Laser Beam in a Turbulent Atmosphere

T. L. Ho
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 59(4) 385-390 (1969)

Depolarization of a Laser Beam in a Turbulent Medium

E. Collett and R. Alferness
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 62(4) 529-533 (1972)