Novel Methods of Measuring Atmospheric Turbulence for Laser Weapons
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Authors
Cohn, Keith
Subjects
directed energy (DE) weapons
high energy lasers (HEL)
laser weapons
optical turbulence measurements
interferometry
high energy lasers (HEL)
laser weapons
optical turbulence measurements
interferometry
Advisors
Date of Issue
2025-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
High-energy laser (HEL) and directed energy (DE) systems are highly sensitive to atmospheric turbulence, which distorts beam propagation and reduces effectiveness. Traditional turbulence measurement techniques, such as sonic anemometers, rely on indirect temperature-based methods that are prone to environmental contamination and noise. This study investigates laser interferometry as a direct method for measuring refractive index fluctuations. A phase-shifting Michelson interferometer was developed and tested against a co-located sonic anemometer in an open-air environment. The interferometer consistently measured higher turbulence levels, likely due to localized thermal effects near the optics table, but its power spectral density analysis confirmed agreement with expected turbulence scaling laws. These results highlight the interferometer’s potential for high-sensitivity, real-time turbulence measurements. Future work should focus on mitigating local thermal effects, assessing vibrational sensitivity, and adapting the system for shipboard deployment to enhance its operational viability for HEL applications.
Type
Technical Report
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
NPS-PH-25-001
Sponsors
Department of the Navy
Naval Research Program
Naval Research Program
Funder
This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrp
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Format
45 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.