Exploring the effects of non-Kolmogorov turbulence on intensity statistics via wave optics simulations

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-19-2025

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Abstract

Wave optics simulations are used to explore the effect of non-Kolmogorov turbulence on intensity statistics. In this context, non-Kolmogorov turbulence is defined as a change in the power-law of the medium away from the traditional -11/3 power spectral density slope used to describe Kolmogorov turbulence. I examine how a change in the power law affects the transition of log irradiance statistics from log normal to a gamma gamma distribution one measure of the transition from weak to moderate or strong turbulence. Non-Kolmogorov turbulence is traditionally described over a range in slope between -3 to -4. I find that for the case where the plane wave Rytov number is 1 in Kolmogorov turbulence, the intensity statistics are roughly matched for the case when the power law is 3.9 when the Rytov is 2. When the power law is -3 the same condition is matched when the Rytov number is 0.5. This work also examines the intensity correlation statistics with power-law and will compare results to existing theory.

Publication Title

Proceedings of SPIE the International Society for Optical Engineering

ISBN

9781510691421

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