The effects of atmospheric turbulence on optical system performance depend primarily on the refractive index structure parameter C↑(2)↓(n) and the inner scale L↓(0). A simple model for C↑(2)↓(n) and L↓(0) is described and experimentally tested. The model, based on the Monin-Obuhkov similarity theory, was developed by Thiermann and is valid in the atmospheric surface layer over land. The inputs to the model are standard meteorological parameters plus solar irradiance and parameters that characterize the local terrain. Model results are compared with me ments of C↑(2)↓(n) and # made with a laser scintillometer at a height of 1.8 m. The performance of the model was found to be good during unstable daytime conditions.# 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. S0091-3286(99)00308-6 Subject terms: atmospheric optics; optical turbulence; scintillation; refractive index structure constant; inner scale. Paper 980300 received Aug. 5, 1998; revised manuscript received Jan. 6, 1999; accepted for publication Jan. 26, 1999.
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