Knowledge of the atmospheric conditions along an optical path is crucial to many experiments. A technique using differential scintillations was adapted for the Small Mobile Atmospheric Sensing Hartmann (SMASH) system to estimate proles of the refractive-index structure constant, C2n(z), and the wind speed. Estimates of those parameters from data taken along a 1 km horizontal path over level ground at a height of about five feet at Kirtland AFB is presented. Five sonic anemometers, placed along the path, serve as an independent estimate of the turbulence conditions with which to evaluate SMASH's performance.
KEYWORDS: Turbulence, Beam path, Air force, Temperature metrology, Atmospheric propagation, Air temperature, Wind measurement, Profiling, Sun, Refractive index
Sonic anemometers are devices that use ultrasound to provide instantaneous wind velocity and sonic temperature measurements. One of these devices, in conjunction with other meteorological equipment, provides characterization of the local atmosphere at a fixed point. Combining multiple sonic anemometers can provide an estimate of the index of refraction structure function, C2n(z), along a beam path. This work details this process for characterization of an optical propagation path for use in the evaluation of the performance of turbulence measurement instruments. Experimental results are presented from a one-kilometer horizontal path.
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