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Abstract Review

Corresponding Author
Name
Frank Eaton
Authors
NameAffiliation
Abstract
Session1 (Instrumentation and observations to quantify the magnitude and distribution of atmospheric optical turbulence.)
Title'Unresolved critical issues of optical turbulence that effect seeing determinations'
AbstractTo date, modeling and simulation of laser beam propagation through atmospheric turbulence have relied upon a traditional theoretical basis that assumes the existence of homogeneous, isotropic, stationary, and Kolmogorov turbulence. Methodology is presented to determine the real impact of the refarctive index structure parameter (Cn2) on laser beam propagation including effects of non-classical turbulence as well as inner (l>o) and outer scale (L>o) effects. The variability of Cn2 and l>o on determining turbulence parameters over long paths is also discussed. Observations also clearly show turbulence is often layered and is produced by wave activity and episodic events such as Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. Other critical turbulence issues involve the relationship between mechanical and optical turbulence, the "volume filling" of radar, and the relationship of turbulence with heat exchange parameters. Planned observations addressing these issues will be obtained from five systems: a) an instrumented aircraft, b) a new measurement platform using a free-flying balloon that lifts a ring with a boom upon which are mounted fine wire (1 micron diameter) sensors to measure high-speed temperature and velocity fluctuations, c) a new system using a kite/tethered blimp platform that obtains both profile and measurements over time at a fixed altitude, d) a 50 MHz radar at Vandenber AFB that senses at high temporal and spatial resolution to 20 km ASL, and e) an FM-CW radar that is the premier boundary layer systems. These systems provide estimates of Cn2, eddy dissipation rate, l>o, and L>o. Methods of calibration and problems of interpreting results from the measurement systems will be discussed.

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Updated on: Wed, Dec 17 2014 - 1849 UTC
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