An integrated fiber-optic turbulence sensor and its applications in maritime atmospheric optical turbulence research

An integrated fiber-optic turbulence sensor based on non-balanced fiber-optic Mach-Zehnder interferometer with a small air gap as light path difference has been designed for detecting air refractive index fluctuation. For avoiding sensing signal fading and perturbations from circumstance during signal transmission, the phase generated carrier is used. The turbulence induced air refractive index fluctuations are demodulated by the algorithm of correlation. Background noise of the sensor is below 10(-17). By comparing with the refractive index structure constant measured by fine-wire resistance thermometer, results show good agreement in both their magnitude and tendency. For its outstanding property of corrosion protection, the sensor is especially suitable for maritime atmospheric optical turbulence research, which is verified by one month sea beach investigation. Some results of the maritime optical turbulence intensity are reported in the end.