Gaussian Beam Propagation Through Turbulent Atmosphere using Second-Order Split-Step Algorithm

In this work, we will be using the numerical method called Second-Order Split-Step Algorithm (SSM) to study the propagation of Gaussian beam through turbulent atmosphere. Both two-dimensional and the there-dimensional shape of Gaussian profile is investigated under different atmosphere fluctuation conditions. The Modified Von-Karman power spectrum model is used to characterize the atmosphere turbulence conditions. We found the FWHM of Gaussian profile dropped to about 30% of the maximum intensity when the turbulence strength moves from weak and approaches moderate turbulence regime for L ≥ 500m propagating a distance. Then, we started to examine the propagated beam as the atmosphere turbulence increases to strong regime, and we found that the profile starts to lose the Gaussian shape as the fluctuation increases.