Lidar Signal Amplification in a Turbulent Atmosphere under Strong Optical Scintillations

Abstract

Experimental data on lidar signal amplification in a turbulent atmosphere and its dependence on the structure parameter of the turbulent fluctuations of the refractive index of air are presented. It is ascertained that the amplification coefficient first increases up to its maximum with the structure parameter of the refractive index and then decreases under the conditions of strong optical turbulence along a sounding path. The maximum of the amplification coefficient attainable at a certain distance depends on the turbulence strength during measurements. The time variations in the backscatter amplification coefficient are in a good agreement with the time variations in the structure parameter of the refractive index determined from independent measurements.