Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
May 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994spie.2201..342j&link_type=abstract
Proc. SPIE Vol. 2201, p. 342-351, Adaptive Optics in Astronomy, Mark A. Ealey; Fritz Merkle; Eds.
Physics
Optics
8
Scientific paper
Adaptive correction of infrared images formed by large telescopes will be possible with the aid of a single laser guide star projected along the telescope axis. The fundamental limit set by focus anisoplanatism of a sodium beacon allows correction to the diffraction limit in the 1.65 and 2.2 micron bands under typical conditions at a good site. A 1 arcsec `star' of V magnitude approximately equals 9 is then required to reduce photon noise to negligible level. In this paper we report on recent tests of continuous wave dye lasers at wavelength 589 nm, used to create sodium beacons above the Multiple Mirror Telescope. A coherent ring dye laser operating at 2.5 W average power and projected as circularly polarized light yielded a beacon of m(subscript v) equals 9.85, and a Livermore-designed standing wave laser operating at 1.7 W and projected as linearly polarized light yielded m(subscript v) equals 10.4. Beacon sizes close to 1 arcsec were achieved. The 9th magnitude goal should be achieved by using more advanced cw dye lasers with 20% conversion efficiency of a 25 W argon ion pump laser, and from improvements in beam projection efficiency. We describe a refractive beam expander under construction for the 6.5 m conversion of the MMT.
Angel James Roger P.
Benda Steve
Erbert Gaylen V.
Friedman Herbert W.
Jacobsen Bruce P.
No associations
LandOfFree
Field evaluation of two new continuous-wave dye laser systems optimized for sodium beacon excitation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Field evaluation of two new continuous-wave dye laser systems optimized for sodium beacon excitation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Field evaluation of two new continuous-wave dye laser systems optimized for sodium beacon excitation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1681601