Accession Number : ADA064314

Title :   Beam Profiling of a Multimode Laser.

Descriptive Note : Master's Thesis,

Corporate Author : AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OHIO SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s) : Licata,Raymond J.

Report Date : DEC 1978

Pagination or Media Count : 92

Abstract : The experimental investigation into the intensity profile characteristics of a multimode, high-power, continuous-wave, CO2 laser is presented. Quantitative one-dimensional profiles were obtained using an enhanced swept null point calorimeter. Qualitative two-dimensional profiles were obtained using the IR transparency material -- 3M, Type 577. The results were: the beam divergence is 3.75 mrad; the intensity profile is characterized basically by a circular mode pattern, but superimposed by a distinguishable rectangular component; the rectangular component only varies in intensity proportional to the laser power and inversely proportional to the optical path length; the shot stability is about + or - 7 w/sq cm; and the average profile deviation from an idealized 'flat top' profile varies from 11 to 15%. (Author)

Descriptors :   *BEAM FORMING, *CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS, HEAT TRANSFER, HIGH POWER, INTENSITY, THESES, PROFILES, MULTIMODE, LASER DAMAGE, RADIATION HARDENING, CALORIMETRY, INFRARED WINDOWS.

Subject Categories : Lasers and Masers

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE