Single- and double-path 10.6-μm laser link measurements over sea water

In order to evaluate the performance of laser-based applications in maritime environments, laser beam propagation studies over the Baltic Sea during the period of about half a year have been carried out. A slightly slanted path with the laser system located 18 m above the sea level and corner cube targets and separate receivers placed on islands at 2.5-, 5.5-, and 16.5-km distance were used. From the registered laser signals irradiance fluctuation parameters for different beam offsets relative to the beam's center, temporal, and amplitude signal distributions, we derived the probability and mean time of fade. Results and statistics from single and double propagation paths are compared.