Simulations of pulsed sodium laser guide stars: an overview

Ronald Holzlöhner; Simon M. Rochester; Domenico Bonaccini Calia; Dmitry Budker; Thomas Pfrommer; James M. Higbie

doi:10.1117/12.924882

13 September 2012 Simulations of pulsed sodium laser guide stars: an overview

Ronald Holzlöhner, Simon M. Rochester, Domenico Bonaccini Calia, Dmitry Budker, Thomas Pfrommer, James M. Higbie

Proceedings Volume 8447, Adaptive Optics Systems III; 84470H (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.924882
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Almost all sodium laser guide star (LGS) systems in the world are based on pulsed lasers. We review the relevant sodium physics and compare different laser pulse formats. Selected formats are discussed on the basis of numerical simulation results. One of the key findings is that the brightness of most existing LGS facilities could be boosted at, as we argue, reasonable expense. Recommendations are presented to enhance the LGS return flux and to design future LGS lasers, including those suitable for spot tracking in the mesosphere to mitigate the spot elongation problem.

Citation Download Citation

Ronald Holzlöhner, Simon M. Rochester, Domenico Bonaccini Calia, Dmitry Budker, Thomas Pfrommer, and James M. Higbie "Simulations of pulsed sodium laser guide stars: an overview", Proc. SPIE 8447, Adaptive Optics Systems III, 84470H (13 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.924882

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