Three-Dimensional Rapidly Scanning Laser Doppler Velocimeter with Low SNR Signal Processing

Abstract

A rapidly scanning directionally sensitive three-velocity-component laser Doppler velocimeter (RSLDV) has been designed. It permits rapid scans through three-dimensional flows to obtain space-time velocity information and almost instantaneous velocity profiles vital to understanding such flows. A flexible optical system allows for easy variation of the fringe spacing as well as the location and size of the measurement volume. Several optical techniques to maintain coincidence between the horizontal, U and W, and vertical, V, probe volumes were investigated. A lens, used like a prism, and two plane mirrors for the out of plane scanning laser beam maintains good coincidence between the probe volumes, while maintaining some flexibility. Moving fringe patterns in the horizontal and vertical planes are produced by a dual water Bragg cell. The Doppler frequency is independent of the position of the receiving optics, and only one photomultiplier tube (PMT) is needed to receive the signals for all three velocity components.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 30, 1990
Accession Number
ADA238857

Entities

People

  • Kevin A. Shinpaugh
  • Roger L. Simpson

Organizations

  • Virginia Tech

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acousto-Optic Modulators
  • Boundary Layer
  • Computer Programs
  • Control Systems
  • Data Acquisition
  • Flow
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Domain
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Operating Systems
  • Research Facilities
  • Scanning
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Space Objects