The effect of the jet-stream on the intensity of laser beams propagating along slanted paths in the upper layers of the turbulent atmosphere

Calculations of the second-order statistical characteristics of a polarized, lowest-order Gaussian beam which propagates through a jet-stream layer, in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) environment, are carried out. Comparison of the results based on the refractive-index structure parameter as predicted by a Hufnagel–Valley model and based on data taken at a recent campaign of measurements and high-resolution numerical simulations shows that the jet-stream can significantly affect the intensity distribution and spreading of the beam, especially at high zenith angles.