Abstract

A precise statistical definition is established for the geometric “shape” of a randomly distorted wavefront. Relationships between the phase-structure function and the statistics governing the shape are derived. The most significant portion of wavefront distortion caused by atmospheric turbulence is a random tilting of the plane-wave front. A procedure is outlined for calculating the influence of wavefront distortion on optical systems. Estimates are formed of the effect of wave-front distortion on photographic resolution and optical heterodyne efficiency.

© 1965 Optical Society of America

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Corrections

D. L. Fried, "Errata: Statistics of a Geometric Representation of Wave-front Distortion.," J. Opt. Soc. Am. 56, 410-410 (1966)
http://proxy.osapublishing.org/josa/abstract.cfm?uri=josa-56-3-410
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