Turbulence Measurement Instruments

Atmospheric turbulence intensity is commonly expressed using the refractive index structure parameter, Cn², measured in units of m⁻²/³. Wind velocity components associated with turbulence are measured in meters per second (m/s). OSI's LOA-series instruments report both Cn² turbulence values and crosswind velocity simultaneously in a single measurement path.

Optical scintillation sensors transmit an infrared beam across a defined path. Atmospheric turbulence causes fluctuations in the beam's intensity — a phenomenon called scintillation. By analyzing these fluctuations using DSP algorithms, the sensor derives both Cn² turbulence intensity and path-averaged crosswind velocity without any mechanical components or field calibration.

The LOA-005 covers measurement paths from 100 meters to over 10 km, making it suitable for airport perimeters and wide-area atmospheric monitoring. The LOA-105, designed for aluminum smelter environments, measures up to 3 km. Both deliver spatially averaged turbulence and crosswind data across the entire measurement path, not just a single point.

No. Both the LOA-005 and LOA-105 use an all-digital DSP-based design that eliminates the need for field calibration. AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuitry compensates for LED output variations, contaminated optics, or dusty conditions, ensuring consistent measurement accuracy. Routine preventative maintenance involves only cleaning optical windows every six months.

Yes. The LOA-005 is approved by NOAA, the Environmental Technology Laboratories (ETL), and the EPA. The LOA-105 holds EPA Method 14 Equivalency Approval specifically for measuring airflow velocity in aluminum smelter roof vents. Both instruments are designed to support environmental compliance monitoring requirements in industrial and government applications.

OSI's turbulence sensors are deployed across aviation and airports (wake vortex and crosswind detection), oil refineries (fenceline monitoring), aluminum smelters (EPA-compliant pot room airflow measurement), atmospheric and climate research, wind energy facilities, and environmental monitoring programs. Customers include NASA, the FAA, NOAA, the EPA, major oil companies, and national laboratories worldwide.