APPLICATIONS OF LASERS
Abstract
Lasers can produce a light beam having excellent directivity and an intensity several million times the intensity of the sun. Experiments proved that laser beams have a beam spread less than 30 cm for every 1.5-km propagation. Research is underway to use lasers in space, surface, and underwater communications. Lasers will be used in military detection, mapping, computing technology, and space navigation and also as weapons. When lasers are used in communications, the audio signals to be transmitted are used to modulate the light beams. The modulated beams are then transmitted by an optical transmitter. The optical receiver at the receiving end will receive and demodulate the incoming light signals. An optical system for space communications using solar energy for laser pumping is in process of development. Optical radars require a lower input power than microwave radars. Research shows that an optical radar having an average output power of 66 w is capable of detecting 2 spaceships 16,000 km apart with an accuracy approaching 1 x 0.0001. A ground optical radar having a 10-km detecting range weighs only 10 kg. Lasers emitting blue light beams are used for underwater tracking and intersubmarine communications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 03, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0674274
Entities
People
- Hsiang Ch'un
Organizations
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center