Damage Effects on thin Acrylic Targets Caused by Infrared Radiation from a Pulsed Carbon Dioxide Laser
Abstract
The damage on thin acrylic targets caused by focused radiation from a 10 megawatt pulsed carbon dioxide laser was measured as a function of air pressure and target distance from the focal point of the radiation. The laser was fired at targets placed in a test chamber. Target damage and the effects of optical detonations near the target were studied as chamber pressure was reduced from one to 0.01 atmosphere. The first chapter of this major report introduces the fundamental concepts of laser physics. The second chapter discusses the specific characteristics of a carbon dioxide laser. The final chapter presents the equipment, procedures, results, and conclusions of this research. All data is summarized in easy-to-read tables and graphs. Evidence was gathered to conclude that target damage increases as pressure decreases while optical detonations absorb and reflect beam energy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 07, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA196385
Entities
People
- Theodore L. Kreifels
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology