Keywords

Atmospheric turbulence; Laser beams; Atmospheric effects

Abstract

One of the negative effects that a laser beam experiences as it propagates through the atmosphere is intensity fluctuations or scintillation. Because scintillation-- as it pertains to laser radar and laser satellite communication systems-- is the main subject of this research, the assumption of an optical element ( such as a Gaussian lens) along the propagation path in front of the detector is valid. The mathematical addition of optical elements to the propagation path is treated using the ABCD ray matrix method. The expression for scintillation is derived, analyzed, and numerically calculated for positions to the left and right of the image plane, which is behind the collecting lens of a receiver system. Simultaneously, the behavior of the scintillation is investigated when the aperture size of the lens is increased. The results are compared to the aperture averaging effect experienced when the beam is in the image plane. This is a per-unit scintillation decrease because the aperture averages it over the surface of the lens.

Graduation Date

2001

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Andrews, Larry C.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Mathematics

Format

PDF

Pages

67 p.

Language

English

Rights

Written permission granted by copyright holder to the University of Central Florida Libraries to digitize and distribute for nonprofit, educational purposes.

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0026962

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Accessibility Status

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