Report on Signalling with Pulses of Light
Abstract
A system of light pulse signaling was developed and tested. The source consisted of high intensity flashes of light produced by the discharge of a 112 micro-farad condenser at 2000 volts through a tube of argon gas. The receiver was a six stage electron multiplier phototube with high gain pulse amplifier. With both source and receiver unfocussed the signaling ranges were 800, 7000 and 500 yards, respectively for the infra-red, visible and ultra-violet portions of the spectrum. With the source focused into a 12 degree cone and with the receiver sharply focused it was estimated that the above ranges would be increased about ten times. It was concluded that the ranges were too short to be of much use for secret signaling, quite apart from the disadvantages (1) that the system is inoperative in daylight and in fog, (2) that, since the system transmits only a few flashes per minute, its use for conveying information is limited.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 06, 1940
- Accession Number
- AD1162129
Entities
People
- Edward O. Hulburt
- John Sweer
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory