Analytical expressions for the log-amplitude correlation function for spherical wave propagation through anisotropic non-Kolmogorov atmosphere

Abstract

An analytical expression for the log-amplitude correlation function based on the Rytov approximation is derived for spherical wave propagation through an anisotropic non-Kolmogorov refractive turbulent atmosphere. The expression reduces correctly to the previously published analytic expressions for the case of spherical wave propagation through isotropic Kolmogorov turbulence. These results agree well with a wave-optics simulation based on the more general Fresnel approximation, as well as with numerical evaluations, for low-to-moderate strengths of turbulence. These results are useful for understanding the potential impact of deviations from the standard isotropic Kolmogorov spectrum.