Abstract
Analytic expressions for the mutual coherence function and the scintillation index of the lowest order Gaussian beam as a function of target roughness are developed for a bistatic configuration in weak and strong atmospheric turbulence. Results are based on Rytov theory and Kolmogorov spectrum model. The surface roughness is modeled by a thin complex phase screen with a Gaussian spectrum. The limiting cases of perfectly smooth and Lambertian targets are deduced. The particular cases of incident spherical and plane waves are also considered.
