The impact of atmospheric phase turbulence on Gaussian beam propagation along propagation paths of varying lengths is examined using multiple random phase screens. The work is motivated by research involving generation and encryption of acousto-optic chaos, and the interest in examining propagation of such chaotic waves through atmospheric turbulence. A phase screen technique is used to simulate perturbations to the refractive index of the medium through the propagation path. A power spectral density based on the modified von Karman spectrum model for turbulence is used to describe the random phase behavior of the medium.

In recent work, results for the numerical simulation of phase turbulence over a narrow region of space implemented by placing a planar aperture representing a (narrow) random phase screen were presented. Results are presented pertinent to extended phase screens (via multiple random-phase apertures) through which an incident Gaussian beam propagates incrementally via alternate phase transmission and diffraction along the propagation path.

Additionally, for profiled electromagnetic waves (such as Gaussian), the scintillation index is evaluated for extended phase turbulence, and finally, fringe visibility due to the interference of double-Gaussian beams passing through extended turbulence is examined.