Influence of aerosols and optical turbulence strength on laser beam widening in the atmosphere

A. Zilberman, N. S. Kopeika

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using a Monte Carlo simulation model, the atmospheric aerosol contributions to laser beam widening for a horizontal propagation path at various elevations were estimated and were compared with beam widening caused by turbulence. In the model, the input parameters were the aerosol number density distribution and index of refraction. The photons were represented by a laser light source. The pathways were calculated on the basis of the scattering characteristics of the atmosphere and a random distribution of scattering events. The results showed that the aerosol contribution to energy loss in the target can be significant, and must be taken into account for laser system design.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)179-187
Number of pages9
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume4125
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2000
EventPropagation and Imaging Through the Atmosphere IV - San diego, CA, USA
Duration: 3 Aug 20003 Aug 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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