Beam Profiling of a Multimode Laser.

Abstract

The experimental investigation into the intensity profile characteristics of a multimode, high-power, continuous-wave, CO2 laser is presented. Quantitative one-dimensional profiles were obtained using an enhanced swept null point calorimeter. Qualitative two-dimensional profiles were obtained using the IR transparency material -- 3M, Type 577. The results were: the beam divergence is 3.75 mrad; the intensity profile is characterized basically by a circular mode pattern, but superimposed by a distinguishable rectangular component; the rectangular component only varies in intensity proportional to the laser power and inversely proportional to the optical path length; the shot stability is about + or - 7 w/sq cm; and the average profile deviation from an idealized 'flat top' profile varies from 11 to 15%. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA064314

Entities

People

  • Raymond J. Licata

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Computer Programs
  • Continuous Waves
  • Data Reduction
  • Databases
  • Detection
  • Equations
  • Error Analysis
  • Films
  • Lasers
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Measurement
  • Standards
  • Two Dimensional
  • Waveforms

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy