Abstract

The variance of the irradiance scintillations of a wave that propagates in a random medium is calculated by using the extended Huygens–Fresnel principle (EHFP) and then compared with numerical solutions of the parabolic equation for the fourth-order statistical moment. Results are presented for the propagation of Gaussian beams and plane waves in a two-dimensional random medium with a Gaussian correlation function. Various formulations of the EHFP are considered, with particular emphasis on the often-used phase approximation of the EHFP. It is shown that, although both methods predict saturation, there is a considerable disagreement at moderate ranges.

© 1983 Optical Society of America

Propagation in two-dimensional random media: log-amplitude covariance and the simulation of atmospheric propagation using two-dimensional calculations

R. J. Hill
J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 2(3) 445-453 (1985)

Fourth Moment of a Wave Propagating in a Random Medium*

W. P. Brown
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 62(8) 966-971 (1972)

First and Second Moment of an Optical Wave Propagating in a Random Medium: Equivalence of the Solution of the Dyson and Bethe-Salpeter Equation to That Obtained by the Huygens-Fresnel Principle*

H. T. Yura
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 62(7) 889-892 (1972)

Numerical solutions for the fourth moment of a plane wave propagating in a random medium

M. Tur
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 72(12) 1683-1691 (1982)

Propagation model of laser beams in turbulence

L. R. Bissonnette
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 73(3) 262-268 (1983)