Atmospheric Effects On The Beam Propagation Of The Xm-23 Laser Rangefinder

Paul H. Deitz

doi:10.1117/12.946716

1 July 1967 Atmospheric Effects On The Beam Propagation Of The Xm-23 Laser Rangefinder

Paul H. Deitz

Proceedings Volume 0011, Laser Range Instrumentation; (1967) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.946716
Event: Laser Range Instrumentation, 1967, El Paso, United States

Abstract

Recently the Ballistic Research Laboratories conducted a study to determine the distribution of energy in the beam of the newly developed XM-23 Laser Rangefinder. These data were collected as part of a comprehensive evaluation program to determine the potential eye hazard to friendly troops employing the laser rangefinder in tactical situations. Measurements were made for each of three cavities used with this rangefinder and over four pathlengths between 200 and 1500 meters. Cross-section measurements of the beam were made by intersecting the beam with a specially constructed optical receiver having an input diameter of two feet. The two-dimensional spatial intensity distribution across this aperture was imaged to a film plane along with a calibrated step wedge. The measured film densities were converted through the characteristic curve to relative energies. Data from a one-dimensional scan of the beam were plotted and used to derive probability distribution curves showing the frequency of occurrence of the normalized energies. Standard deviations of the optical data were computed from the cumulative distribution curves of the energies. In addition to the optical data, direct measurements of the index structure constant, Cn, were made. This constant relates directly to the strength of the index fluctuations in the turbulent medium and hence to the optical variance. Both theoretical and experimental comparisons are made between the measured Cn's and the optical data.

Citation Download Citation

Paul H. Deitz "Atmospheric Effects On The Beam Propagation Of The Xm-23 Laser Rangefinder", Proc. SPIE 0011, Laser Range Instrumentation, (1 July 1967); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.946716

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