General Theory of Light Propagation and Imaging Through the Atmosphere

The second edition of this book provides an updated version of the general theory of light propagation and imaging through Earth's turbulent atmosphere, with additional applications in laser communications and high-energy laser beam propagation. It includes a comprehensive mathematical tool set for characterizing image formation with ELTs, rewritten chapters, and a history of the development of understanding.

Format: Hardback
Length: 678 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This second edition presents an updated version of the general theory of light propagation and imaging through Earth's turbulent atmosphere, which was initially developed in the late 1970s and 1980s. The theory has since found applications in the fields of laser communications and high-energy laser beam propagation.

The book includes a comprehensive mathematical toolset for precisely characterizing image formation with the anticipated Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTS), enabling a staggering range of star image shapes and sizes. Existing chapters have been rewritten or modified to supplement the mathematics with clearer physical insight through written and graphical means.

The book provides a history of the development of present-day understanding of light propagation and imaging through the atmosphere, as represented by the general theory described. Beginning with the rudimentary geometrical-optics-based understanding of a century ago, it describes advances made in the 1960s, including the development of the 'Kolmogorov theory,' which was later found to have deficiencies that undermined its credibility. However, the theory had already done enormous damage, such as the construction of a generation of underperforming 'light bucket telescopes.'

The general theory of light propagation and imaging through the atmosphere does not require any a priori turbulence assumptions. Instead, it provides means for calculating the turbulence properties directly from readily-measurable properties of star images. This makes the theory more accurate and reliable, as it does not rely on assumptions that may not be true in all situations.

Overall, this second edition of the general theory of light propagation and imaging through Earth's turbulent atmosphere is a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the fields of astronomy, physics, and engineering. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the theory, with applications in a wide range of fields.

Weight: 1232g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030988272
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2022