Laser beam distortions caused by a shock wave near the turret of a supersonic aircraft

Abstract

We present results of calculations of the mean intensity of a beam which passes in the beginning of the path through a shock wave which is formed during a supersonic air flow around the turret and propagates further in a homogeneous medium. It is shown that the spatial inhomogeneity of the air refractive index in the region of a shock wave can lead to strong anisotropic distortions of a beam intersecting the wave; the distortions result in focusing and defragmentation of the beam at comparatively short distances from the turret and rapid degradation of the beam in the process of its further propagation.