Parametric Analysis of Laser Target Designators for Airborne Applications.

摘要

Laser target designator performance criteria are established from past Pave Way program - related mission analyses. With these criteria as performance standards, parametric design studies are performed in four areas of investigation - laser resonators, flashlamps, coolant systems, and Q-switches. These parametric studies are combined with other design factors and a complete laser target designator integration is postulated. After describing methods for designing a laser resonator with beam divergence being the motivating factor, the report substantiates best choices of flashlamps, coolant systems, and Q-switches. These choices are as follows: flashlamp - krypton for less than 10 J/p and xenon for greater than 10 J/p; coolant system - liquid to air heat exchanger using ethylene glycol/distilled water; and Q-switch - LiNbO3. These approaches along with other design factors are summarized and integrated into one optimum design taking into account cost-effectiveness, reliability, maintainability, and producibility.