Development of a Mesospheric Sodium Laser Beacon for Atmospheric Adaptive Optics

摘要

We have developed laser sources of sodium-resonance radiation based on the sum-frequency mixing of Nd:YAG laser radiation. The sources are suitable for generating a fluorescence spot in the earth's mesospheric sodium layer for use in adaptive optics compensation. Taking into account the sodium fluorescence lifetime, Doppler broadening, hyperfine structure, radiative saturation, optical pumping, and radiation pressure, we can optimize the intensity of the fluorescence by using spectral and temporal tailoring of the laser radiation.