Application of Optical Faraday Effect for EMP Measurements.
Abstract
Existing devices for measuring the electric and magnetic fields in EMP simulators cause considerable distortion of the fields to be measured. It was proposed to use magneto-optical sensors and to interrogate these sensors remotely with a light beam. In the present study, the feasibility of using the enhanced Faraday effect of optical resonance lines to measure the magnetic components of an EMP was investigated. It was found that rubidium and mercury are suitable Faraday substances. Magnetic fields of less than a tenth of a gauss can be measured. Observations concerning general characteristics of the enhanced Faraday effect were made. To record EMPs of nanosecond rise times with a Faraday sensor, light sources of extremely high intensity, e.g., pulsed gas discharges or lasers, are required. Design criteria for a practical EMP-measuring system of this type are discussed. A new ultra-narrow optical filter (bandwidth of 3 milliangstroms and peak transmission of 88 percent) is described. This filter may have applications in optical communication and in laser technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA017058
Entities
People
- Hans A. Bomke
- Milton Harmatz
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command