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