The Choice of a Laser for Airborne Depth Sounding

Abstract

A conventional electro-optically Q-switched laser resonator and a polarisation coupled crossed-Porro resonator are compared for use in a frequency doubled neodymium doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Laser rod diameters of 3, 4 and 5 mm are evaluated in each resonator to determine the relative merits of each rod/resonator combination in producing the required 532 nm frequency doubled output. The effect of repetition rate over the range 15 Hz to 250 Hz on the performance of each resonator and rod is examined. A lifetest is used to determine the likely problem areas in both resonators. Recommendations are made concerning the size of rod and type of resonator configuration best able to meet the requirements of a laser suitable for airborne depth sounding.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA112901

Entities

People

  • D. Rees
  • J. Richards

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Airborne
  • Classification
  • Diameters
  • Elements
  • Frequency
  • Infrared Lasers
  • Laser Resonators
  • Lasers
  • Pockels Cells
  • Polarization
  • Radiation
  • Repetition Rate
  • Schematic Diagrams
  • Scientists
  • Security
  • Waveplates
  • Yttrium Aluminum Garnet

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy