An optical wavefront becomes distorted when it passes through a turbulent flow field. This is because the density variations in the turbulent flow field cause the index of refraction at each specific point to change through the relation:

where n is the index of refraction, K is the Gladstone-Dale constant, and rho is the density.

OPL is the optical path length and OPD is the optical path difference.

Brian S. Thurow, Associate Professor, Thurow@auburn.edu

Department of Aerospace Engineering

211 Davis Hall , Auburn University, AL 36849-5338

Phone: (334) 844-6827      Fax: (334) 844-6803