Enhanced backscatter in LIDAR systems with retro-reflectors operating through a turbulent ocean

Abstract

The enhanced backscatter (EBS) effect is examined for light propagation through a weakly turbulent ocean in a monostatic channel with a retro-reflector. Using the second-order Rytov theory to account for the turbulentmedium perturbations of the optical wave, we numerically predict the appearance of the EBS in the average intensity for the incident plane and spherical waves within the first several meters of the channel. The influence of the size of the retro-reflector on the EBS factor is also revealed for both types of waves. Our predictions are instrumental for the development of LIDARs in turbulent waters for communications, imaging, and sensing. (C) 2018 Optical Society of America.