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Compact CO2 laser for infrared heterodyne radar
1Lincoln Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lexington, MA 02173, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|October 1, 1978
Summary
A new compact carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was developed for field use in infrared heterodyne radar systems. This laser offers high power output for applications like active imaging.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Technology
- Radar Systems
Background:
- Development of compact lasers is crucial for field-deployable advanced sensing technologies.
- Infrared heterodyne radar requires stable and powerful local oscillator sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact carbon dioxide (CO2) laser suitable for field deployment.
- To evaluate the laser's performance in continuous wave (CW) and pulsed (electrooptically Q-switched) modes.
- To assess its suitability for active imaging applications within infrared heterodyne radar.
Main Methods:
- Design and construction of a compact CO2 laser with a separate local oscillator.
- Characterization of laser output power in CW mode (10.5 W).
- Characterization of laser output power in electrooptically Q-switched mode (7 W average at 50 kHz repetition rate).
Main Results:
- A functional compact CO2 laser system was successfully developed.
- The laser achieved a continuous wave output power of 10.5 W.
- The laser demonstrated an average output power of 7 W in the electrooptically Q-switched mode at 50 kHz.
Conclusions:
- The developed compact CO2 laser meets the power requirements for field use in infrared heterodyne radar.
- The laser's performance indicates strong potential for active imaging applications.
- This technology advances the capabilities of portable radar systems.
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