Acousto-Optical Coupling in Gases.
Abstract
The development of high-powered continuous lasers poses several problems for conventional optical techniques used in studying beam characteristics. One such problem is the splitting of a high-powered laser beam. Standard measurement methods involving the use of transmissive optical beam splitters can degrade optical beam quality in the course of measurements prior to the actual destruction of the splitter. One solution to the problem is to use the weak (air) interaction of acoustic waves with a 10.6-micron wavelength laser beam. Various scattering interactions including Raman-Nath and the Bragg type are discussed within the report. The investigation of piezoelectric transducer materials such as lead zirconate-titanate (PZT-4) of the thickness expander type subjected to high acoustic power levels is discussed. Also included within the report is the development of a theoretical expression for the diffraction efficiency and experimental measurements substantiating this expression. Typical diffraction efficiencies of 0.000001 Io (where Io is the beam intensity) are reported and shown to be transducer coupling coefficients. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0905643
Entities
People
- D. A. Benson
- E. W. Taylor
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory