Fluctuation variation of a CO2 laser pulse intensity during its interaction with a cloud

The intensity fluctuation variances of a CO2-laser radiation pulse in the course of its nonlinear propagation through a cloud are theoretically studied. Considered are the cases of regular and explosive clearing processes. It is found that the initial intensity fluctuations can be noticeably intensified as a result of radiation self-action occurrence© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.