Abstract

A simple phenomenological model for the interaction of a high energy laser (HEL) beam with atmospheric turbulence is presented. According to this model the temperature power spectrum becomes non-Kolmogorov. The refractive index structure constant $C_n^2$ is replaced by another quantity $C_{n,\text{eff}}^2$ which is space dependent, $C_{n,\text{eff}}^2=C_n^2(1+\mid \nabla T/\partial \overline{\theta }/\partial z{\mid }^2)$ (provided (∂ $\overline{\theta }$)/(∂z) ≠ 0). Here ΔT is the local temperature gradient in the crosswind direction, while (∂ $\overline{\theta }$)/(∂z) is the vertical potential temperature gradient in the atmosphere. Numerical simulations of HEL beam propagation were performed including effects of this model. Implications of the results are discussed.

© 1990 Optical Society of America

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