Laser Propagation Code Study
Abstract
A number of laser propagation codes have been assessed as to their suitability for modeling Army High Energy Laser (HEL) weapons used in an anti- sensor mode. We identify a number of areas in which systems analysis HEL codes are deficient. Most notably, available HEL scaling law codes model the laser aperture as circular, possibly with a fixed (e.g. 10%) obscuration. However, most HELs have rectangular apertures with up to 30% obscuration. We present a beam-quality/aperture shape scaling relation which can be useful when applying these codes to realistic designs for HELs. Originator supplied keywords: High energy lasers; Laser propagation; Beam quality; Diffraction; Laser aperture; Pupil function; Thermal blooming.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA161370
Entities
People
- Edward B. Rockower
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School