Irradiance probability density function for turbulence induced fading in free space optics

A model for the irradiance probability density function for turbulence induced fading in free space optical communications is derived. The derivations are based on expanding on the extended Rytov method by associating a doubly stochastic process to model large scale scintillation. In particular, the small scale induced irradiance fluctuations are modeled by a single gamma distribution, while the large scale induced fluctuations are modeled as a doubly stochastic process of gamma and inverted gamma distributions, thus better approximating the lognormal distribution. The resultant distribution's probability density and cumulative density functions are both given in closed forms. Moreover, the resultant model parameters are given based on strong scintillation theory. Through comparison with previously published results and experimental data, including lognormal and gamma-gamma distributions, it is concluded that the proposed model agrees well with measurements for weak and strong scintillation conditions in cases of both aperture averaging and a point like receiver. Therefore, the proposed model can be used for the performance analysis of optical wireless systems.