THE EFFECTS OF ATMOSPHERIC PROPAGATION ON LONG-RANGE APPLICATIONS OF LASERS ( SEA LEVEL)

摘要

Using the best available data on atmospheric propagation at different wavelengths, the relative performance of ladar systems using 1.06-μm, 3.8-pm and 10.6-μm lasers has been investigated under various conditions. It appears that except under low visibility conditions the 3.8-μm systems have the best performance due to the low atmos¬pheric absorption of this wavelength relative to 10.6 μm and the low aerosol attenuation relative to 1.06 μm. Lasers radiating at 3.8 μm with the most efficiency and power are the chemical DF and HC1 lasers.