Abstract

Atmospheric optical effects limit the design of coherent CO₂ laser radar systems, in particular the size of the receiver aperture. To study the effects of turbulence and of precipitation on such systems, a setup was implemented with which amplitude and relative phase fluctuations measured at two points of variable distance could be determined. Using the setup the crosswind velocity also could be deduced. Figure 1 shows the experimental setup with the two small subapertures.

© 1982 Optical Society of America