A 2µm-pump laser-based DIRCM system and aero-optics in the mid-IR

Günther Renz; Willy Bohn

doi:10.1117/12.746588

23 October 2007 A 2μm-pump laser-based DIRCM system and aero-optics in the mid-IR

Günther Renz, Willy Bohn

Proceedings Volume 6738, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures IV; 67380B (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.746588
Event: Optics/Photonics in Security and Defence, 2007, Florence, Italy

Abstract

The improvement of the security of platforms (aircrafts) with countermeasure techniques in the mid-IR especially in the take-off or landing phase is nowadays more stringent due to upcoming threats. We report on the development of a Tm:YLF-fiber laser (1.908 μm) pumped Ho:YAG (2.09 µm) high energy laser system with pulse energies up to 100 mJ at pulse lengths close to 20 ns and repetition rates of 100 Hz. A high quality laser beam leaving a platform through a variable-index-of-refraction airflow will experience wave-front aberrations and consequently lose its ability to be perfectly focused in the far field. Two main causes of laser beam degradations are issued in this investigation. First, there is the degradation immediately around the fuselage, referred to aero-optic problems and second the atmospheric propagation influence via air turbulence. The aero-optic influence on the laser beam degradation will be investigated in a laboratory experimental approach with a mid-IR laser beam traversing a transonic free air stream relevant to a real air flow around a fuselage. The propagation characteristics of a laser beam passing turbulent air will be numerically simulated with a multiple phase-screen method and a Fourier propagation technique. Different turbulence degrees relevant to propagation directions especially behind aircrafts will be considered.

Citation Download Citation

Günther Renz and Willy Bohn "A 2μm-pump laser-based DIRCM system and aero-optics in the mid-IR", Proc. SPIE 6738, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures IV, 67380B (23 October 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.746588

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