The efficiency of propagation of radiation from different lasers through the turbulent Earth's atmosphere

Abstract

A simplified model of the propagation of intense laser beams in the turbulent Earth's atmosphere along horizontal and oblique paths is improved. The model takes into account the basic mechanisms of interaction of laser radiation with the Earth's atmosphere (molecular absorption, aerosol extinction, turbulence-induced beam spread and wander). The application of this model demonstrates a general approach to determining the optimal radiation wavelengths for attaining the maximum intensity of focused laser radiation at a stationary object depending on the path length, angle of the path inclination, weather conditions, and diameter of the laser output beam. A simple physical interpretation of the dependences obtained is presented. The efficiencies of propagation of various high-power laser beams through the turbulent Earth's atmosphere are compared. Specific features of the energy transfer from various lasers to moving objects are analysed. It is shown that, when weather conditions change over a wide range, it is expedient to use radiation from a cw chemical DF laser.