SLM-based laboratory simulations of Kolmogorov and non-Kolmogorov anisotropic turbulence.

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we present a laboratory setup to simulate anisotropic, non-Kolmogorov turbulence. A sequence of numerical phase screens that incorporate the turbulence characteristics were applied to a spatial light modulator placed in the path of a laser beam with a Gaussian intensity profile and the resulting far-field intensity patterns were recorded by a CCD camera. The values of scintillation at the position of the maximum intensity were extracted from the images and compared with theoretical values. Our experimental results show a trend that is in agreement with known theoretical expressions; however, the turbulence rescaling due to anisotropy shows some discrepancy with theory and requires more investigation.