Comparison of the Unmodified Rytov Method and the Modified Rytov Method in Obtaining Scintillations in Various Strongly Turbulent Media

Abstract

The scintillation index as evaluated by the unmodified (classical) Rytov method solution for weak turbulence and evaluated by the modified or the extended Rytov method solution for strong turbulence is compared in different turbulent media, such as non-Kolmogorov atmospheric, non-Kolmogorov jet engine exhaust, marine atmospheric, and oceanic turbulences. When the scintillations are evaluated against the turbulence strength for various non-Kolmogorov power law and source sizes, the distinction between the modified Rytov and the unmodified Rytov method solutions, as the strength of turbulence increases, is clearly observed in all the turbulent media. This distinction is emphasized when the comparison is made at larger power law and source sizes. The results in this paper will be helpful in optical wireless communication system performance evaluations. © 2025 Optica Publishing Group.