Outer scale of turbulence and its influence on fluctuations of optical waves

Abstract Based on generalizations of numerous measurements and calculations, the influence of the low-frequency part of the atmospheric turbulence spectrum, directly adjacent to the inertial interval, on the statistical characteristics of fluctuations of optical waves propagating in the atmosphere is analyzed. The measured atmospheric turbulence spectra are compared with isotropic models. The outer scale of turbulence in the surface layer of the atmosphere is found to be dependent not only on the height above the underlying surface but also on the type of atmospheric stratification. The influence of the low-frequency part of the atmospheric turbulence spectrum on the phase fluctuations of optical waves propagating both along horizontal paths and obliquely through the entire atmosphere is analyzed.