Three-Micron Laser Window Absorption Measurements.
Abstract
Absorption of laser energy in exit windows can cause significant reduction in far-field brightness due to thermal window lensing. Absorption coefficients at a wave-length of 3 microns are measured calorimetrically for eight candidate materials. Measured values include Al2O3(0.0034/cm), CaF2(0.0025), BaF2(0.0030), Si(0.0085), and fused silica (0.088). A heat transport program calculates central window temperatures from the distant radial thermocouple data. The temperature difference established between the center and edge drives the thermal lensing mechanism. The effect of the resultant optical path difference on far-field brightness is discussed. An attempt to study this optical distortion by observation of the transmitted beam on a thermofluorescent screen was successful only in the case of fused silica. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0891883
Entities
People
- Keith G. Gilbert
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory