Atmospheric structure function measurements with a Shack–Hartmann wave-front sensor

The phase structure function has been used as a convenient way to characterize aberrations introduced on optical propagation by the atmosphere. It forms the theoretical basis for the calculation of such things as the long- and short-exposure atmospheric transfer function. The structure function is difficult to measure directly and is usually assumed to follow Kolmogorov statistics. We present here a technique for direct measurement of the structure function through the use of a Shack-Hartmann wave-front sensor. Experiments confirm that the atmosphere behaves according to Kolmogorov theory most of the time. However, some instances of non-Kolmogorov behavior have been noted.