The Characterization of Atmospheric Turbulence and its Effect on Laser Beam Propagation

Author

Michael CoxFollow

Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Committee Chair/Advisor

Dr. Joe Watkins

Committee Member

Dr. Eric G. Johnson

Committee Member

Dr. Chenning Tong

Abstract

Having a controlled environment to measure atmospheric turbulence is essential to understanding its effects on different laser beam characteristics. The Clemson Variable Turbulence Generator (VTG) has the capability to propagate a laser beam up to 100 m and be able to dial many turbulence settings up to a heat flux of 357 W/m². A high-speed camera, power detector, and high-resolution temperature probes characterize the VTG with theoretical turbulence spectrums. The exponent associated with the Rayleigh-Bénard (RB) temperature structure constant equation is studied. Two different laser beam profiles are used throughout this work: Gaussian and Asymmetric Perfect Vortex (APV). The Higher Order Bessel-gauss Beams Integrated in Time (HOBBIT) system creates the APV beam and enables the study of Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM). Experiments conducted using these instruments and beam profiles illustrate the functionality of the VTG to accurately test how a laser beam performs in different turbulence environments.

Recommended Citation

Cox, Michael, "The Characterization of Atmospheric Turbulence and its Effect on Laser Beam Propagation" (2023). All Theses. 4061.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4061