Exploration of an Alternative Refractive Index Spectrum Model and its Effects on a Laser Beam Propagating Though Random Media

Author

Joseph Coffaro, University of Central Florida

Abstract

Propagation of electromagnetic radiation through atmospheric turbulence has been a subject of study for over eight decades. With ever expanding applications of lasers, more attention has been paid recently to the interaction between atmospheric turbulence and laser beams propagating over greater and greater distances. For applications in communication, directed energy weapons and wireless power transmission the focused laser beam geometry is of particular interest. To increase understanding of the interaction between atmospheric turbulence and propagating laser beams a series of field campaigns were designed and conducted. These field campaigns provided a focused beam configuration propagated over different ranges and at different intensities of atmospheric turbulence. Collimated laser data was also collected to corroborate the findings. These field campaigns generated temperature spectral data that did not agree with existing temperature spectral models near the ground. Given the relationship between temperature spectral models and refractive index, a previously unexplored refractive index spectral model is examined. The unexplored refractive index spectral model provides a better fit to experimental temperature spectral data. Existing second order weak and strong fluctuation theory is modified to accommodate a novel refractive index spectral model. The results from the modified second order weak and strong fluctuation theory are compared to field campaign laser data and to split step wave optics simulations.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2021

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Richardson, Martin

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Program

Electrical Engineering

Identifier

CFE0009293; DP0026897

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0026897

Language

English

Release Date

June 2027

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Campus-only Access)

STARS Citation

Coffaro, Joseph, "Exploration of an Alternative Refractive Index Spectrum Model and its Effects on a Laser Beam Propagating Though Random Media" (2021). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023. 1322.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd2020/1322