Comparative analysis of optical turbulence measurements, processing methods and their effects on Cn2 estimations in the maritime environment of Den Helder (NL)
article
Reliable measurements of optical turbulence are crucial for the validation of propagation models relevant for Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) efficiency studies. In a series of laser propagation trials, the so-called Marsdiep trials, turbulence measurements are made with sonic anemometers and scintillometers. Two sonic anemometers were located at a grass surface at the waterfront in Den Helder (The Netherlands). In this work, we compare the two most commonly used methods to estimate the strength of optical turbulence Cn2 from sonic anemometers: Structure Function and Power Spectra. The Structure Function method consistently yields the higher Cn2 values and appears more sensible to weather conditions. Point measurements of Cn2 derived with these two methods are compared to path-averaged direct measurements of Cn2 by a scintillometer, operating over a 3.6km path mostly over water. Surface heterogeneities translate into differences in surface fluxes that explain the overall lower values of Cn2 provided by the scintillometer.
Topics
AnemometersFiber optic sensorsLaser applicationsLight propagationOptical data processingScintillationTurbulenceComparative analyzesMarine environmentMaritime environmentMeasurements ofOptical turbulenceProcessing methodReliable measurementScintillometerSonic anemometerTurbulence measurementsOptical communication
TNO Identifier
1024404
ISSN
0277786X
ISBN
978-151069277-0
Article nr.
1366907
Source title
Proceedings Environmental Effects on Light Propagation and Adaptive Systems VIII, Madrid, Spain, 17-18 September 2025
Collation
8 p.
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