Simulation of wave propagation through turbulent media utilizing the split-step beam propagation method incorporating light attenuation due to aerosol scatter

Barry Pawlowski; Jonathan D. Wells; Kevin Pinzhoffer

doi:10.1117/12.3027715

16 October 2024 Simulation of wave propagation through turbulent media utilizing the split-step beam propagation method incorporating light attenuation due to aerosol scatter

Barry Pawlowski, Jonathan D. Wells, Kevin Pinzhoffer

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13149, Unconventional Imaging, Sensing, and Adaptive Optics 2024; 131490N (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3027715
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2024, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Wave optics simulations study the effect of beam propagation through the atmosphere; one notable method is the split-step beam propagation method. Current atmospheric propagation software utilizes an alternating series of Fresnel propagation and phase accumulation methods through screens which are statistically representative of the atmospheric turbulence along a line-of-sight path. From this assumption the scintillation parameter along the laser path relies on an atmospheric structure parameter, 𝐶_𝑛², and is typically measured using a path averaged scintillometer. While this works well for links established in static atmospheric conditions in harsher environments such as high precipitation rates, heavy fog, or clouds demand a more rigorous approach. Thus, current software typically over-predicts beam performance of links in harsh conditions. This work proposes a model in which scattering is computed from a “first principles” approach, i.e. the full Mie series is calculated at several locations along the simulated beam path. The scattering results are then combined with the traditional split-step beam propagation method through a correction factor to provide a model of attenuation on beam performance. Results show that the addition of the extinction efficiency factor reduced the overall intensity on target by a significant margin as compared to the traditional split-step beam propagation method. More work is needed to verify the utilization of the Mie scattering extinction along with the log-amplitude variance typically utilized to model the turbulence phase.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Barry Pawlowski, Jonathan D. Wells, and Kevin Pinzhoffer "Simulation of wave propagation through turbulent media utilizing the split-step beam propagation method incorporating light attenuation due to aerosol scatter", Proc. SPIE 13149, Unconventional Imaging, Sensing, and Adaptive Optics 2024, 131490N (16 October 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3027715

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