An Investigation of Atmospheric Effects on Laser Propagation and the Impact on Eye Safety

摘要

Results are presented from an experimental study of laser beam scintillation along a slant path in the atmospheric planetary boundary layer. The primary objective of this research is to determine the influence on eye safety of atmospheric thermal turbulence in causing locally high intensities of energy in laser beams. This work has resulted in the further development of a general eye-hazard evaluation procedure based on atmospheric effects and laser operating conditions. The present work has also resulted in the development of a simple, 'worst-case' guide to estimate the maximum probability of eye damage. (Author)