A Study of the Feasibility of Measuring Atmospheric Densities by Using a Laser-Searchlight Technique

Abstract

The report summarizes the work done during the period between April 1964 and June 1971 in developing and testing a laser radar technique to obtain backscattered signals from the atmosphere at altitudes up to 100 km. A vertically directed pulsed ruby laser signal with a 10 joule, 10 microsecond pulse provided the transmitted energy and an array of 30 inch diameter spherical mirrors provided a mirror area of 15 square meters to collect the backscattered energy. Photon counting techniques were utilized for high altitude returns and many returns are integrated to provide high sensitivity and to reduce the variance of the signals.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0741875

Entities

People

  • G. S. Kent
  • M. C. W. Sandford
  • M. Ottway
  • R. W. H. Wright
  • W. Keenliside

Organizations

  • University of the West Indies

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Amplifiers
  • Amplitude
  • Atmospheric Density
  • Detectors
  • Flash Lamps
  • Frequency
  • High Altitude
  • Laser Radar
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Radar
  • Scattering
  • Scattering Cross Sections
  • Short Wavelengths

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy