Statistical analysis of the sum of N complex random variables

Investigation of the statistical properties of the laser scintillation in the atmosphere requires knowledge of the statistical properties of the sums of N complex random variables. We present a method of investigation of the sum by evaluating the mean value of the squared modulus of the sum, and, mostly, its moments up to the fourth order included, as functions of N. Extensive formulas on higher order moments are reported in an appendix .