Authors : Mzee S. Mndewa , Dexiu Huang and Xiuhua Yuan
Abstract: Free space optical communication is relatively new. It is expected to be a viable alternative to the fiber optics technology in several applications. However, these systems are vulnerable to atmospheric turbulence, such as attenuation and scintillation. This study describes the facilities and examines the intensity fluctuation of the laser beam through laboratory atmospheric turbulence. A 2 m laboratory simulated turbulence box established to investigate laser beam propagation through atmospheric turbulence. We characterize the effects of atmospheric turbulence and observe numbers of changes when visible light passes through laboratory turbulence box. The statistical method was used in data analysis in this study. This system can be used in comparison of intensity fluctuation whether a greater or less for determining whether the turbulence is weak or strong. And also can be used to calculate the mean of intensity from different number of activities relative to changing variable parameters. Probability density function is also researched based on the analysis of experiment data collected in each event of experimental set up.
Mzee S. Mndewa , Dexiu Huang and Xiuhua Yuan , 2008. A Survey of Atmospheric Turbulence on Laser Propagation. Asian Journal of Information Technology, 7: 307-312.