Scintillation Properties of a Truncated Flat-Topped Beam in a Weakly Turbulent Atmosphere

Abstract

We derive derive an explicit expression for the scintillation index of a truncated flat-topped (FT) beam in a weakly turbulent atmosphere. Under suitable conditions, the derived formula reduces to the expression for the scintillation index of a FT beam or Gaussian beam without truncation. The scintillation properties of a truncated FT beam in a weakly turbulent atmosphere are illustrated numerically. It is found that the truncation parameter has strong influence on the scintillation properties, and the advantage of a FT beam over a Gaussian beam for reducing the negative influence of turbulence disappears gradually as the truncation parameter decreases. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.