Blue-Green Dye Lasers for Underwater Illumination

摘要

Advances in underwater viewing can be expected by employing powerful blue-green dye lasers as illumination sources. For minimum transmission losses, the spectral characteristics of the seawater must coincide with the laser action spectral region. Propagation of light through the ocean environment is discussed. Presently available blue-green laser systems are briefly reviewed. It was concluded that a commercially available dye laser, operating at the seawater transmission window, provides the best near term-solution. Such a dye laser is capable of delivering up to about 3 joules per pulse at a rate of 10 to 50 Hz. A synchronized video camera takes pictures of the illuminated area. In the future, a powerful blue-green illumination source can be obtained by operating the dye laser with improved (high-efficiency) laser dyes.