Accession Number : ADA407138

Title :   Studies of Optical Augmentation With Picosecond Pulses. Picosecond Pulses for Resolution of Optical Elements by Retroreflection

Descriptive Note : Memo rept.

Corporate Author : NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC OPTICAL SCIENCES DIV

Personal Author(s) : Eckardt, Robert C. ; Rabin, Herbert

PDF Url : ADA407138

Report Date : JUL 1971

Pagination or Media Count : 28

Abstract : Picosecond optical pulses generated by a neodymium-glass mode- locked laser were employed in laboratory measurements of the retro-reflection from optical surfaces. These measurements were directed at a determination of the minimum separation distance between surfaces which could be resolved using either a photodiode or an image converter camera for detection. A minimum resolvable distance of 7.5 cm was obtained with a photodiode, and the camera yielded a value of 1.5 cm. In addition calculations have been made of the range at which the retroreflection technique may be employed for analyzing optical elements using short pulses. Ranges of several kilometers appear feasible.

Descriptors :   *NEODYMIUM LASERS, *OPTICAL AUGMENTATION, PULSED LASERS, LIGHT PULSES, CAMERAS, PHOTODIODES, MODE LOCKED LASERS, OPTICAL RETROREFLECTION, PICOSECOND TIME.

Subject Categories : Lasers and Masers
      Optics

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE