The effect of laser fluctuation statistics upon detection probability

The effects of laser beam irradiance fluctuations, such as speckle and scintillation, upon optical beam detection probability are examined in an entirely statistical context. The optical detector is assumed to possess a non-linear integrated log-normal response function, as is normally ascribed to the eye. Various statistical distribution functions purported to model these fluctuations accurately are examined from both numerical and analytical standpoints. The numerical results indicate that different models for fluctuation statistics predict detector threshold probabilities which differ from each other by more than 10%. Such variations may be significant in calculations relating to eye safety.