Alexandrite Laser Propagation Experiments

Robert D. Barber; John K. Dempsey; D. Jones; William F. Friday; William D. Mullins

doi:10.1117/12.960886

11 October 1989 Alexandrite Laser Propagation Experiments

Robert D. Barber, John K. Dempsey, D. Jones, William F. Friday, William D. Mullins

Proceedings Volume 1115, Propagation Engineering; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960886
Event: SPIE 1989 Technical Symposium on Aerospace Sensing, 1989, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The alexandrite laser is a flashlamp pumped, solid state pulsed laser that utilizes the alexandrite crystal for the lasing medium with output radiation between 0.755 and 0.760 micron wavelengths. Since the alexandrite laser is relatively new, little work has been done to study the propagation effects at this wavelength. The U.S. Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama recently acquired two alexandrite lasers which have been used to study the effects of this radiation under different conditions, including atmospheric propagation. Baseline information was gathered in the laboratory for each laser prior to propagation studies at range. The lasers were characterized in terms of pulse length, energy, pulse shape, and pulse-to-pulse energy variation. Energy measurements were taken with a special device at 200 and 400 meters to determine the intensity profile of the beam. Energy measurements were taken at 1200 meters with a 1 cm2 detector, positioned in the approximate center of the beam. At the same time a 3-inch diameter section of the beam was sampled by using a beam splitter and lens to focus that portion into a radiometer. Beam spot shape and location at the target were observed. Statistical techniques including frequency distribution curves of fluence in the two sample areas were used to analyze the fluence at 1200 meters and the effects of atmospheric conditions, especially scintillation, on the transmitted energy. Atmospheric data was recorded by an Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory Meteorological Station at the range. A scintillometer located adjacent to the beam path continuously recorded Cn2 values during the test program.

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Robert D. Barber, John K. Dempsey, D. Jones, William F. Friday, and William D. Mullins "Alexandrite Laser Propagation Experiments", Proc. SPIE 1115, Propagation Engineering, (11 October 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960886

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KEYWORDS

Scintillation

Alexandrite lasers

Beam splitters

Radiometry

Atmospheric propagation

Pulsed laser operation

Alexandrite

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