Prototyping of Two-Beam Laser Interferometer for Measurement of Optical Turbulence Along Extended Paths

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates a proof-of-concept experimental validation of a prototype two-beam, division of wavefront laser interferometer that provides real-time measurement of the optical path difference, and subsequent phase distortion, caused by atmospheric turbulence along an extended horizontal path. Prototype's signal processing incorporates use of specialized phase comparator circuit developed by author's advisor, D.S. Davis. Photographs and results cited of the prototype receiver's output offer proof of the validity of the basic design. Further research of this technology is expected to support future laser/adaptive optics long range weapon applications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA260229

Entities

People

  • Carl S. Barbour

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adaptive Optics
  • Amplifiers
  • Atmospheric Motion
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Bandpass Filters
  • Electronics
  • Filters
  • Geographic Regions
  • Helium Neon Lasers
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Physics
  • Refractive Index
  • Signal Processing
  • Strategic Weapons
  • United States
  • Waveplates

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy