In previous work, we presented theory of how atmospheric turbulence can impart orbital angular momentum to propagating optical waves. In this paper we provide the first experimental demonstration of the detection of orbital angular momentum from distributed volume turbulence through the identification of well-defined, turbulence-induced, optical vortex trails in Shack-Hartmann wave front sensor measurements.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is developing and extending a model of the boundary layer that takes, as input, common atmospheric measurements and ground condition parameters, and predicts key parameters of optical turbulence such as strength and inner scale. In order to anchor the model, a field campaign is also being conducted. The campaign will include co-located meteorological instruments and an open loop Hartmann wavefront sensor. Here, a portion of the boundary layer model is discussed: that relevant for the daytime surface layer. A sensitivity analysis of input parameters is presented.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract