Effect of backscattering amplification on quality of object images in a turbulent medium

The results of the laboratory experimental study of reflected laser beam intensity distribution behind the receiving lens under conditions of strong optical turbulence are discussed in the paper. As is shown in a number of preceding research in case of strong optical turbulence the part of reflected beam field remains highly coherent in central area of a beam cross section due to long-range correlation. It leads to appearance of a narrow peak around the axis of the lens focal plane intensity distribution at the background of wide spot broadened by turbulence. We measured the size of first scale, its amplitude and energy as well as its localization along the axis receiving system relative to lens focal plane.