Beam path conditioning for high energy laser beam directors

David C. Johnson; Glenda S. Holderbaum

doi:10.1117/12.21900

1 September 1990 Beam-path conditioning for high-energy laser beam directors

David C. Johnson, Glenda S. Holderbaum

Proceedings Volume 1312, Propagation Engineering: Third in a Series; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.21900
Event: 1990 Technical Symposium on Optics, Electro-Optics, and Sensors, 1990, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The uncontrolled thermal currents present in a beam expander can significantly degrade optical performance. Incident laser radiation on mirrors and their supporting structures insures that temperature differences will be present. These temperature differences within the beam path can induce significant optical distortions. Optical performance can be improved with active conditioning of the beam path. This report describes several aspects of active beam path conditioning: boundary layer control on mirrors, thermal conditioning of beam expander cavities and coude paths, and thermal control of vacuum and exit window configurations. Design concepts for each of these components are discussed. Beam path conditioning systems that combine these components are presented and recommendations given. Finally, a summary of current capabilities in beam path conditioning systems is made with recommendations for future work.

Citation Download Citation

David C. Johnson and Glenda S. Holderbaum "Beam-path conditioning for high-energy laser beam directors", Proc. SPIE 1312, Propagation Engineering: Third in a Series, (1 September 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.21900

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available