Profile and Character of Atmospheric Structure Constant of Refractive Index C-n(2)

Random fluctuations of turbulence bring random fluctuations of the refractive index, making the atmosphere a random fluctuation medium that destroys the coherence of light-waves. Research in atmospheric turbulence is actually the investigation of the atmospheric refractive index. The atmospheric structure constant of refractive index, C-n(2), is an important parameter denoting atmospheric turbulence. In this paper, C-n(2) is measured during the day and at night and in all four seasons using a high sensitivity micro-thermal meter QHTP-2. The vertical profile of C-n(2) in Hefei (0-30 km) is investigated by the analysis of experimental data. The average profile of C-n(2) in Hefei exhibits conspicuous day and night differences with increased altitude. The distribution of log(C-n(2)) is nearly normal and has conspicuous seasonal differences.