Wavelength Selection for a Ground Based Free Electron Laser Weapon System

摘要

A computer model was developed to examine the wavelength dependent relationships which would impact in a selection of the operating wavelength for a ground based free electron laser weapon system employed in a strategic role. The program considers the device efficiency of the free electron laser, the propagation of laser radiation in the atmosphere, and the coupling of laser energy into the target material. The program employs modified versions of the atmospheric transmission codes LOWTRAN and FASCODE. The optimum laser wavelength for a specific selection of laser parameters is determined. However, equally acceptable wavelengths could be found with a .2 micrometer region surrounding this optimum value. In addition, the wavelength selection process is very sensitive to the mean sea level altitude of the laser device and the degree to which atmospheric turbulence induced beam spread can be compensated for by adaptive optics. (Author)