Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory (ACPL) Optical Motion Control Study.
Abstract
The concept of utilizing optical energy (radiation pressure) to provide motion control and stability for water droplets in the size range applicable to atmospheric cloud physics (5-100 micrometers) is investigated. It is shown that the inherent stabilizing forces of a gaussian laser beam (TEM00) together with the beam's ability to manipulate individual particles makes a powerful tool for studying droplet or ice crystal growth and for initiating relative droplet motion in order to investigate various collision/coalescence phenomena. The utility of optical motion control (OMC) will be greatly enhanced with the advent of Shuttle/Spacelab payloads such as the Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory (ACPL) in which the ambient opposing accelerations will be reduced to at least 1/1000 of that encountered on earth. This future ACPL capability together with current programs for developing shuttle compatible lasers in the 100-200 mW range will make it feasible to consider cloud physics experiments OMC on the earliest flights of the ACPL.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA037250
Entities
People
- Larry R. Eaton
- Sherman L. Neste
Organizations
- General Electric