Influence of Periodic Compressible Vortices on Laser Beam Intensity.
Abstract
This study explored the effect of narrow-band, vortex-induced density fluctuations on the beam quality of a laser propagated through the fluctuating flow. The research was a dual investigation. First, the ability to create and characterize 'tailored', fluctuating flows was explored. Second, the degradation of the laser beam due to these various flows was assessed. The flows of periodic vortices were created by cylindrical rods placed at the exit plane of a 1 cm by 10 cm rectangular free jet issuing air at M = .6. Reynolds number based on rod diameter varied from 4,600 to 110,000. Mean and fluctuating mass flux, total pressure and static pressure time histories of the flows were measured in order to derive fluid eddy passage frequency, eddy length and periodic density fluctuation data. Schlieren photographs were obtained for further assessment of the flow fields. A nominal 1 mW laser beam was propagated at two wavelengths transversely through the periodic portion of each flow. The far field beam cross-section was analyzed to determine beam intensity degradation. A Strehl ratio for each flow field was deduced from pseudo-quantitative data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA124756
Entities
People
- Craig P. Weston
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology