Performance of laser systems in radiation environments
Abstract
The paper reviews the effects of radiation on critical components of direct and coherent laser systems. The system performance degradation for a baseline laser range finder whose function is to acquire and track a cooperative target as part of a docking system is considered; both direct detection (Nd:YAG) and coherent (CO2) systems are examined to illustrate the effects of radiation upon system performance. Radiation effects upon space-borne laser systems include changes in transmission of optical elements from the total absorbed dose and increased detector noise from ionizing radiation. Available data shows that both direct detection and coherent detection systems can function in near earth orbits with sufficient shielding and care in critical component selection. Finally, nuclear hardening design considerations are presented to minimize the expected degradation in system performance.
- Publication:
-
Optical Engineering
- Pub Date:
- December 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.7972435
- Bibcode:
- 1979OptEn..18..562H
- Keywords:
-
- Extraterrestrial Radiation;
- Laser Applications;
- Optical Communication;
- Radiation Effects;
- Satellite-Borne Instruments;
- Coherent Light;
- Communication Satellites;
- Gamma Rays;
- Laser Targets;
- Man Environment Interactions;
- Space Communication;
- Systems Analysis;
- Lasers and Masers