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Full-Text Articles in Physics
Development Of A Tm:Ho:Ylf-Laser-Pumped Orientation-Patterned Gallium Arsenide Optical Parametric Oscillator, Michael D. Harm
Development Of A Tm:Ho:Ylf-Laser-Pumped Orientation-Patterned Gallium Arsenide Optical Parametric Oscillator, Michael D. Harm
Theses and Dissertations
Coherent optical sources in the mid-infrared region (mid-IR) are important fundamental tools for infrared countermeasures and battlefield remote sensing. Nonlinear optical effects can be applied to convert existing near-IR laser sources to radiate in the mid-IR. This research focused on achieving such a conversion with a quasi-phase matched optical parametric oscillators using orientation-patterned gallium arsenide (OPGaAs), a material that can be quasi-phased matched by periodically reversing the crystal structure during the epitaxial growth process. Although non-linear optical conversion was not ultimately achieved during this research, many valuable lessons were learned from working with this material. This thesis reviews the theory …
Smart Structures For Control Of Optical Surfaces, D. Michael Sobers Jr.
Smart Structures For Control Of Optical Surfaces, D. Michael Sobers Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
The development of lightweight, large-aperture optics is of vital importance to the Department of Defense and the US Air Force for advancing remote sensing applications and improving current capabilities. Synthetic polymer optics offer weight and flexibility advantages over current generation glass mirrors, but require active control to maintain tight surface figure tolerances. This research explores the feasibility of using imbedded piezoelectric materials to control optical surfaces. Membrane-based and stiff piezo-controlled mirrors were constructed to develop and validate control techniques. Test results verified that surface control on the order of tens of wavelengths is possible using these systems.
Fabrication Techniques For Micro-Optical Device Arrays, Ryan D. Conk
Fabrication Techniques For Micro-Optical Device Arrays, Ryan D. Conk
Theses and Dissertations
Micro-optical devices are vital components of conventional military data storage, sensor, and communication systems. Two types of micro-optical device arrays exist: individually addressable and matrix addressable. The matrix addressable array has a drastically reduced number of metal lines and can potentially be fabricated into large, dense (over 1k elements) arrays. Such arrays are expected to enable the development of extremely high bandwidth optical interconnect systems for future military applications including optical computing and short-haul fiber optical communication systems. I investigate new fabrication techniques for the assembly of dense matrix-addressed arrays of micro-optical devices such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. Using a …
Distributed Beacon Requirements For Branch Point Tolerant Laser Beam Compensation In Extended Atmospheric Turbulence, Virgil E. Zetterlind Iii
Distributed Beacon Requirements For Branch Point Tolerant Laser Beam Compensation In Extended Atmospheric Turbulence, Virgil E. Zetterlind Iii
Theses and Dissertations
Branch point tolerant phase reconstructors can vastly improve adaptive optic system performance in extended atmospheric turbulence. This thesis explores the performance bounds of two such reconstructors Goldstein's algorithm and hidden phase. A least squares reconstructor is implemented for comparison. System performance is presented for various scenarios, including correction time-delays, wave-front sensor noise, and extended beacons. These scenarios are of interest for laser communication and directed energy systems such as Airborne Laser. Performance bounds are obtained through wave-optics simulation. The extended beacon propagation geometry approximates the USAF AFRL-DE North Oscura Peak range. Results show that branch point tolerant reconstructors outperform least …