INNER AND OUTER SCALE EFFECTS ON SCINTILLATION INDEX FOR AN INFRARED LASER PROPAGATING ON EARTH-SPACE PATHS

The effects of the inner-and outer-scale of turbulent atmosphere on the scintillation index for an infrared laser beam propagating through atmospheric turbulence are discussed under the assumption that small-scale irradiance fluctuation is modulated by large-scale irradiance fluctuation on Earth-space paths. A model about the scintillation index with the inner-and outer-scale is developed. A numerical analysis is done by using this model. It is shown that the effect of the inner scale on scintillation index is larger than the outer scale effect for the lesser wavelength wave at visible and infrared band. From moderate to saturation regime, the inner scale effect becomes gradually small; however, the outer scale effect becomes gradually obvious. Under moderate to strong regime, therefore, the effects of the inner-and outer-scale on scintillation index must be considered for theoretical prediction scintillation of an infrared laser beam propagating through turbulent atmosphere on Earth-space paths.