THE INTERACTION OF CO2 LASER RADIATION AND WATER
Abstract
The output of a CO2 laser was focussed upon the surface of water to study the generation of sonic waves for air to water communication. A rotating mirror Q-switch system and an electrical pulsing system were used to obtain laser pulses. Continuous wave output was also investigated. In each case, there were three obvious effects from the interaction (1) generation of an acoustic wave in air; (2) generation of an acoustic wave in water; and (3) generation of a circular surface wave. The best efficiency for producing a water acoustic disturbance was about 10 to the -6th power. One part in 10,000 of the acoustic energy coupled into the water - the balance is dissipated in the air. Placing a transparent window on the surface enhanced the water acoustic wave so that it was comparable in energy to the air acoustic wave. It is concluded that the process is very lossy, although further improvements in laser engineering may yield better results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 07, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0702408
Entities
People
- Jeremiah R. Lowney
- John B. Sullivan
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory