Optical Scintillation Rytov Variance Calculator

Atmospheric Turbulence & Laser Propagation: Compute the Rytov variance ($\sigma_R^2$), scintillation index, aperture averaging reduction, and required link fade margin.

Atmospheric Turbulence & Path

Turbulence Strength Preset ($C_n^2$):

Structure Constant $C_n^2$ (m⁻⅔):

Path Length $L$ (km):

Wavelength $\lambda$ (nm):

Receiver Aperture $D$ (cm):

Wavefront Geometry:

Target Fade Probability $P_{\text{fade}}$:

Scintillation & Fade Dynamics

Rytov Variance ($\sigma_R^2$)

Regime: Weak Turbulence

Aperture Averaging Factor ($A$)

Scintillation Index σ_I²: --

Required Fade Margin ($F_M$)

-- dB

Log-Amplitude Variance: --

Fresnel Zone Radius ($\sqrt{\lambda L}$)

-- cm

Aperture / Fresnel: -- x

Atmospheric Physics Context:

• Fried atmospheric coherence parameter $r_0$: -- cm

• Aperture averaging smooths optical intensity spikes when $D > \sqrt{\lambda L}$.

• In strong turbulence ($\sigma_R^2 > 1$), intensity fluctuations saturate due to multiple scattering.

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Optical Scintillation Rytov Variance Calculator

Atmospheric Turbulence & Path

Scintillation & Fade Dynamics

Frequently Asked Questions