Complex field atmospheric sensing suite for deep turbulence research

ABSTRACT: The problem of characterizing turbulence over long optical paths or over very strong shorter paths is challenging and unsolved. Current measurement systems do not address all aspects of the problem. Generally available measurements are incomplete in that they do not contain sufficient information at sufficient resolution to address all of the deep turbulence questions, such as validity of Kolmogorov statistics, the frozen flow hypothesis, and the existence of inner and outer scale. In addition, appropriate measurements have not been collected over the path of interest and variability of turbulence strength and distribution has not been addressed. This proposal will address these shortcomings by developing the requirements and design for a complex field sensing suite for deep turbulence. This suite will include sensing hardware and data processing algorithms and software. Use of climatological and weather modeling data will also be included. The requirements will be developed based on application of novel analysis and simulation techniques as well as analysis of existing data. BENEFIT: Development of a complex field sensor suite for deep turbulence which has been designed to handle the unique characteristics of deep turbulence will be of immense value to researchers and developers of long range optical systems such as lasercom systems, weapons systems, and imaging systems. Research progress in the field of deep turbulence has been hindered by lack of appropriate sensing devices. Knowledge of turbulence characteristics in the operating environment is an essential requirement for developing high performance systems at the lowest cost.