Modeling Atmospheric Turbulence Effects on Ground Based Instruments

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Session 51 -- Instrumentation
Display presentation, Wednesday, 9:20-6:30, Pauley Room

[51.14] Modeling Atmospheric Turbulence Effects on Ground Based Instruments

L.W. Bradford, S.M. Flatt\'e (UCSC), C.E. Max (IGPP-LLNL)

Bester, et al. (Ap. J., 392, 357) report measurements of atmospheric fluctuations made with the Infrared Spatial Interferometer, which indicated behavior not in accord with the standard Kolmogorov model of turbulent fluctuations. We have made numerical simulations which use relatively complex models of the atmosphere to investigate both Kolmogorov and non-Kolmogorov models. We find that the measurements of Bester, et al. are within the limits of behavior for Kolmogorov models, but often only if the outer scale of turbulent fluctuations is on the order of 10s of meters. Non-Kolmogorov behavior is not excluded. We find that very good meterological data is needed concurrent with astronomical observations, to constrain the models. The particular model is of some importance to the ultimate capabilities of adaptive optics.

Wednesday program listing