Bleachable Absorber Laser Amplifier and Detector (BALAD)
Abstract
A detailed feasibility and design study has been made on the wide- angle, low noise BALAD receiver (Bleachable Absorber Laser Amplifier and Detector). Expressions have been derived for the achievable field-of-view, maximum gain and other specifications in terms of the dimensions and the measurable properties of the laser and absorber gases. Virtually error free detection is assured for signal pulses > 100 photons. A figure-of-merit has been measured for several absorber gases screened from the literature. BALAD receivers with 4000 resolution element field-of-view are feasible using SF6 and a CO2 amplifier at 10.6micrometers and Xe with Xe at 3.5micrometers. The use of the latter is recommended for the experimental test of the BALAD receiver. Three compact absorber configurations have been considered and will be further investigated. Application is to optical radar and to optical communications where signal direction is uncertain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 23, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0757361
Entities
People
- Gordon Gould
- James T. Latourrette
Organizations
- New York University Tandon School of Engineering