Atmospheric characterization based on relative humidity control at optical turbulence generator

Abstract

In atmospheric turbulence, relative humidity has been almost a negligible variable due to its limited effect, compared with temperature and air velocity, among others. For studying the horizontal path, a laser beam was propagated in a laboratory room, and an Optical Turbulence Generator (OTG) was built and placed along the optical axis. Additionally, there was controlled humidity inside the room and measuring of some physical variables inside the OTG device for determining its effects on the laser beam. The experimental results show the measurements of turbulence parameters Cn2, lo, and σI2 from beam centroids fluctuations, where increases in humidity generated stronger turbulence.