Project Title:
Laser Spectrometer and Wavemeter
08.08-9030
Laser Spectrometer and Wavemeter
Physical Sciences Inc.
Dascomb Research Park, P.O. Box 3100
Andover
MA
01810
McKay
J. A.
NAS1-18243
Amount:
LaRC
NAS1-17942
Abstract:
The device to be built is a laboratory prototype of a combination high-accuracywavemeter and high-resolution spectrometer capable of real-time, pulse-by-pulse analysis
of laser pulses. This instrument will be built with attention to further development
into a rugged, flight-qualifiable, unattended-operation model with little redesign.
The device will be invaluable for numerous laboratory spectroscopic applications
as well as for the principal application, airborne/spaceborne DIAL for remote sensing
of the atmosphere.
The conceptual design of this wavemeter/spectrometer, completed in Phase I, incorporated
the innovative combination of a Snyder low-
finesse interferometer with a Fizeau high-finesse interferometer, yielding a dual-function
instrument well suited to compact, rugged construction.
The objective of Phase II is the construction of a working prototype of this instrument.
The system will be evaluated for accuracy, resolution, and speed capabilities.
The prototype will yield (1) an optical design, (2) an electronic system, and (3)
a software package, providing a high-confidence projection of the performance capabilities
of, and a solid foundation for the construction of, a next-generation, flight-ready
instrument. The prototype itself will be suitable for laboratory use.