Limits on wave optics simulations in non-Kolmogorov turbulence

© 2018 SPIE. Wave Optics Simulations (WOS) are a valuable tool for exploring the effects of atmospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation and imaging. Obtaining accurate results from WOS requires careful selection of simulation parameters. Specifically, the inter-screen spacing, spatial sampling of source and receiver planes, and phase screen sampling are all important parameters. The parameter space for WOS in Kolmogorov turbulence is well characterized and while it is often assumed that similar requirements hold for simulation of non-Kolmogorov atmospheres, we find this is not the case. In this paper we will discuss the practical limits of modeling optical propagation in non-Kolmogorov turbulence using the split-step phase screen method underlying WOS