Katelyn J. Grayshan, University of Central Florida

New Models of Laser Propagation through the Atmosphere

Abstract:  Currently, all mathematical models of laser propagation through the atmosphere have been derived for terrestrial and high altitude
environments; however, these same models are frequently used to make predictions in marine atmospheres.  Experimental data suggests that the land models are insufficient for modeling the marine environment.  Using Hill's numerical spectrum of refractive index fluctuations, three new spectrums have been tailored through numerical curve fitting,specifically for the marine atmosphere.  These new spectrums have then
been used to derive equations for scintillation in weak turbulence.  The resulting scintillation predictions from the new models have been
compared graphically with current land models.  The necessity and accuracy of these marine models is presently being tested in conjunction
with the Navy."

Undergraduate Mentor: Cynthia Young (UCF)