Optical Heterodyne Signal Power Obtained from Finite-Sized Sources of Radiation.
Abstract
A general expression for the optical heterodyne signal power from a finite-sized radiation source is derived that is valid for an arbitrary degree of coherence of the source. The signal power is given explicitly in terms of those variables that describe the source of radiation (e.g., total raidated power, brightness distribution, and source size). Incoherent and coherent sources are examined in detail, and analytic expressions are derived for various geometries of experimental interest. For a finite-sized incoherent source, a generalization of Siegman's results for an extended incoherent source is derived which states that the effective or capture area of the receiver integrated over its field of viewed is equal to the square of the optical wavelength. In addition, an analytic expression for the heterodyne signal power for a coherent Gaussian laser source and a Gaussian local oscillator is derived. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0756463
Entities
People
- Harold T. Yura
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation