Ground-based spatial interferometers and atmospheric turbulence

Abstract

The asymptotic and numerical analysis of the phase difference spectrum for stellar interferometers has been performed based on the development of models of atmospheric turbulence. Peculiarities of phase difference spectra as well as for a `small' and `large' baseline of interferometers are investigated. The influence of the outer scale of turbulence is under study. Different models of turbulence intensity, the outer scale of turbulence and wind velocity are used. The results of the fields measurements, carried out using stellar interferometers in different parts of the world, are analysed on the basis of the data available from the literature. In order for the results of measurements of phase difference fluctuations to become the basis for improving the model of a turbulent atmosphere the following parameters are required to be measured: initial altitude, value and direction of wind velocity relative to the orientation of the interferometer measuring baseline, as well as the value of contrast of the interference pattern (for estimating the Fried radius value at the operation wavelength).