Wander of a Gaussian-Beam Wave Propagating through Kolmogorov and Non-Kolmogorov Turbulence along Laser-Satellite Communication Uplink

Abstract

It is accepted that there exists two kinds of atmospheric turbulence in the Earth’s aerosphere—Kolmogorov and non-Kolmogorov turbulence; therefore, it is important to research their combined impacts on laser-satellite communications. In this paper, the exponential power spectra of refractive-index fluctuations for non-Kolmogorov turbulence in the free troposphere and stratosphere are proposed, respectively. Based on these two spectra, using the Markov approximation, beam wander displacement variances of a Gaussian-beam wave are derived, respectively, which are valid under weak turbulent fluctuations condition. On this basis, using a three-layer altitude-dependent turbulent spectrum model for vertical/slant path, the combined influence of a three-layer atmospheric turbulence on wander of a Gaussian-beam wave as the carrier wave in laser-satellite communication is studied. This three-layer spectrum is more accurate than a two-layer model. Moreover, the variations of beam wander displacement with beam radius, zenith angles, and nominal value of the refractive-index structure parameter on the ground are estimated. The theory of optical wave propagation through non-Kolmogorov atmospheric turbulence is further enriched and a theoretical model of a three-layer atmospheric turbulence beam wander for a satellite-ground laser communication uplink is established.

Keywords

• satellite laser communication
• atmospheric optics
• non-Kolmogorov turbulence
• Kolmogorov turbulence
• beam wander