The Rytov number is a fundamental scaling parameter for laser propagation through atmospheric
turbulence
In fluid dynamics, turbulence or turbulent flow is fluid motion characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity. It is in contrast to a laminar flow, which occurs when a fluid flows in parallel layers, with no disruption between ...
. Rytov numbers greater than 0.2 are generally considered to be strong
scintillation
Scintillation can refer to:
*Scintillation (astronomy), atmospheric effects which influence astronomical observations
*Interplanetary scintillation, fluctuations of radio waves caused by the solar wind
*Scintillation (physics), a flash of light pro ...
. A Rytov number of 0 would indicate no turbulence, thus no scintillation of the beam.
Wave mechanics
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