Estimation of the Turbulence and Regular Refraction Effects on Laser Beam Parameters in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer: Part 1, Coherence Length and Turbulent Broadening

Abstract

The coherence length and the degree of broadening of a laser beam under the turbulence effect are estimated from the results of remote acoustic sounding of the atmospheric boundary layer with a Volna-4M sodar. The daily average profile of the coherence length in different seasons is considered. Corrections to the effective radius of a laser beam due to turbulence and the monthly average values of these corrections are calculated. A noticeable excess of the possible broadening of the laser beam in winter above that in summer was found.