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Deterioration of the Coherence Properties of a Laser Beam by Atmospheric Turbulence and Molecular Scattering
Author(s) -
Consortini A.,
Ronchi L.,
Scheggi A. M.,
Francia G. Toraldo
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1002/rds196614523
Subject(s) - scattering , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , physics , turbulence , coherence time , coherence length , optics , computational physics , laser , atmospheric optics , atmosphere (unit) , beam (structure) , mechanics , meteorology , quantum mechanics , superconductivity
Turbulence and scattering can be considered as chiefly responsible for the deterioration of coherence properties of laser radiation when propagating through the atmosphere. The effect of atmospheric turbulence as well as the effect of molecular scattering (in a quiet atmosphere) on the space and time coherence, respectively, have been theoretically investigated within the limits of ray theory As a result we found that there is a limiting diameter for the beam cross section beyond which the advantages of the space coherence are largely offset by the intervention of turbulence. On the other hand, the thermal movements of molecules may affect the time coherence (that is, the monochromaticity) of a highly monochromatic beam.