Calculation of returns from sodium beacons for different types of laser

Edward Kibblewhite

doi:10.1117/12.789601

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10 July 2008 Calculation of returns from sodium beacons for different types of laser

Edward Kibblewhite

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Proceedings Volume 7015, Adaptive Optics Systems; 70150M (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789601
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

We describe a Monte Carlo code that includes the effects and optical pumping, radiation pressure and magnetic fields on the interaction between a laser beam and a sodium atom in the mesosphere. The code is sufficiently general that it can calculate the return for different types of laser. We find that conventional theory overestimates saturation and does not include the effect of optical down-pumping, which significantly reduces the population of sodium atoms available for excitation. We compare the theoretical returns for two types of laser and predict significant enhancements to the photon return/watt can be achieved with tailored spectral and temporal formats.

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Edward Kibblewhite "Calculation of returns from sodium beacons for different types of laser", Proc. SPIE 7015, Adaptive Optics Systems, 70150M (10 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789601

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