Atmospheric Attenuation of HeNe Laser Radiation.
Abstract
Atmospheric attenuation of a low-powered HeNe laser beam was examined both theoretically and experimentally. Experimental results were limited, but useful information could be extracted from the data. Close agreement was found between experimental results and theoretical predictions based on interpolation between aerosol coefficients given by McClatchey and Selby. The effects of atmospheric turbulence upon laser propagation were also examined. An attempt was made to minimize the effect turbulence had upon test results, so that atmospheric attenuation could be studied independently. The conclusion of a theoretical study was that this could be accomplished by using a receiver several times larger than the beam size at the target. The prediction proved true during test runs. The experimentation was conducted over a 1.23 kilometer course, using a 2 milliwatt HeNe laser as the transmitter, and a 12 inch spherical mirror as the receiver. Tests were conducted under visibility conditions ranging from 2 kilometers to 18 kilometers. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA053442
Entities
People
- Graham G. Williford
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology