Measurements of optical distortion arising from thermal turbulence with application to bubble chambers

The problem of the optical distortion effect of turbulence in bubble chamber fluids is considered. Measurements of optical distortion in a turbulent liquid nitrogen layer were carried out as a function of depth in the fluid layer and of the heat flux through it. Some agreement is obtained with results expected from a semi-empirical theory. Results of the measurements are presented and their implications for large-volume bubble chambers are discussed.