LASER RADAR DEVELOPMENT.
Abstract
A range-gated imaging (RGI) laser radar system was constructed and field-tested at the Chesapeake Bay Division of the Naval Research Laboratories to evaluate the capability of RGI systems to provide extremely high contrast image displays. The system employed a ruby laser with 1 to 3 joules output energy in the Q-switched mode and a TRW image converter camera plus a two-stage image intensifier receiver. The field tests indicated that the RGI concept provides extremely high contrast images of diffuse targets in a sea background, under no-whitecap conditions, and that cooperative targets can provide high contrast images even with whitecaps or a land background. The very short exposure times inherent with a Q-switched laser did reduce both the resolution and sensitivity of the imaging receiver; however, the amount of degradation does not limit the application of RGI systems. An experimental program is being directed toward developing a high average power, pulsed, solid-state laser suitable for optical radar systems. Breadboard measurements on cored Nd:YAG rods and some prototype head development has been accomplished. Slope efficiencies greater than 2% were obtained using cored Nd:YAG in breadboard tests. In addition, studies were made on excited-state saturable absorber Q-switch materials. Rose bengal dye in particular was examined because it has exhibited Q-switch action with Nd: doped glass lasers. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0831761
Entities
People
- Joe A. Jenney