Abstract: The Space Vehicles Directorate, in collaboration with the Airborne Laser (ABL) Program Office collected data in the measurement and understanding of atmospheric optical turbulence. Optical turbulence, or fluctuations of the index of refraction in both space and time, is not only apparent in twinkling stars, but is also a major source of performance degradation for high-energy laser systems. Optical turbulence is caused by the presence of adjacent parcels of air, at a slightly different index of refraction moving about in a beam of light. In the presence of optical turbulence, a projected laser beam appears to wander, broaden and scintillate, thereby reducing image quality, and effectively reducing the average power that arrives at a spot.
| Limitations: |
 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE |
| Description: |
Journal article |
| Pages: |
5 |
| Report Date: |
15 JUL 2001 |
| Report Number: |
A071293 |
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