Optical resolution through atmospheric turbulence with finite outer scale

We present a theoretical calculation of the modulation transfer functions and integral resolution of a simple system of imaging through the atmosphere with a finite outer scale of turbulence. Two different models of turbulence are studied. Inclusion of the finite outer scale is shown to be necessary for quantitative estimates. The ''optimal'' lens diameter for the short exposure case is calculated. Our results significantly differ from those obtained for a pure power-law turbulence spectrum. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.