ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a number of definitions that are important for a better comprehension of the atmospheric phenomena and their effect on the transmission of an optical signal. It explains a variety of atmospheric phenomena are presented and their impact on the propagation of infrared (IR) radiation. The chapter also introduces the origin and the effects of scintillation as well as its main characteristics. Radiance is present in the atmosphere through scattering, where the atmosphere has a radiance of its own in the ultraviolet and visible parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The atmospheric radiance characteristics depend on a number of factors, including wavelength, polarization effects, global latitude, angle of view with respect to the sun, solar zenith angle, and haze conditions. The chapter shows that the space-ground atmospheric transmission in the visible and near-IR regions based on the calculations. Optical wireless communication systems are affected by a variety of atmospheric phenomena that limit their data transmission rate, range, and reliability.
