Experimental and numerical analysis of atmospheric propagation of high energy laser

Carsten Pargmann; Thomas Hall; Frank Duschek; Thomas Fischbach; Karin M. Grünewald; Kirsten Klaffki; Jim Thieser; Jürgen Handke

doi:10.1117/12.2194783

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27 October 2015 Experimental and numerical analysis of atmospheric propagation of high energy laser

Carsten Pargmann, Thomas Hall, Frank Duschek, Thomas Fischbach, Karin M. Grünewald, Kirsten Klaffki, Jim Thieser, Jürgen Handke

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Proceedings Volume 9650, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures XII; and High-Power Lasers 2015: Technology and Systems; 96500L (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2194783
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2015, Toulouse, France

Abstract

The transmission of high power laser radiation through the air is influenced by atmospheric turbulence. As a result the beam experiences variations regarding its position and its distribution, which increase with increasing propagation length. In order to analyze the atmospheric influence on the laser beam propagation a disk laser with a maximum output power of 6 kW and a wavelength of 1.03 μm is operated on the 130 m long free transmission laser test range at Lampoldshausen. The test range is equipped with a variety of sensors, which continuously monitor the current status of the weather conditions. Power sensors and camera systems at the beginning and the end of the test range measure the laser beam parameters before and after propagation. First measurements of atmospheric power transmission, diameter change of the laser beam and deviation of its center of gravity are performed on a sunny and on a rainy day and are compared with turbulence strength, visibility and rainfall. The results show good correlation between the optical parameters and the weather conditions. Following measurements will be performed at different weather conditions and seasons. Experimental results will be compared to a numerical analysis.

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Carsten Pargmann, Thomas Hall, Frank Duschek, Thomas Fischbach, Karin M. Grünewald, Kirsten Klaffki, Jim Thieser, and Jürgen Handke "Experimental and numerical analysis of atmospheric propagation of high energy laser", Proc. SPIE 9650, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures XII; and High-Power Lasers 2015: Technology and Systems, 96500L (27 October 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2194783

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