Laser Radar Technology.
Abstract
This report is a study made to assess the feasibility of using a pulsed chemical laser as a laser radar transmitter. The electrically-initiated pulsed chain-reaction chemical laser offers substantial improvement of performance over conventional electric CO2 lasers. This improved performance is in higher efficiencies and higher specific energies which tend to decrease the overall system's size and weight. The performance calculations of a pulsed chemical D2-F2 laser are described. These include computations dealing with the multiple-line output of the chemical laser, and also computations of performance for a laser constrained to operate on discrete lines. Short discussions on various aspects of laser operation are included that may have direct bearing on operation of the laser in a radar role. A study of heterodyning detection as it relates to a laser radar is also given. Experimentally, the double-discharge pulsed chemical laser used in the measurement of frequency stability is discussed. The various optical-cavity arrangements used are described and their effect on frequency stability is explained. The diagnostic technique utilized in these measurements is the Michelson interferometer. The apparatus and experimental techniques are explained in some detail. The results show a frequency stability of 1 part in 10 to the 7th power for a laser operating on an SF6-H2 mixture.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0922651
Entities
People
- G. L. Clark
- K. T. Yano
- L. O. Heflinger
- M. A. Kolpin
Organizations
- TRW Inc.