Atmospheric and laser propagation

This paper reviews three phenomena that affect the propagation of electro-optical radiation through the atmosphere: absorption and scattering, refraction and turbulence. The net effect on imaging or laser systems is a net reduction of the effective range, or a degradation of the information contained in the electro-optical radiation. Recent advances in techniques to assess the concentration and composition of atmospheric aerosols, and to assess the strength of optical turbulence are discussed in more detail.