Abstract

Utilizing the so-called Thorpe scale as a measure of the turbulence outer scale, we propose a physically-based approach for the estimation of $C_n^2$ profiles in the lower atmosphere. This approach only requires coarse-resolution temperature profiles (a.k.a., soundings) as input, yet it has the intrinsic ability to capture layers of high optical turbulence. The prowess of this computationally inexpensive approach is demonstrated by validations against observational data from a field campaign over Mauna Kea, Hawaii.

© 2015 Optical Society of America

Reliable model to estimate the profile of the refractive index structure parameter (C_n²) and integrated astroclimatic parameters in the atmosphere

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