13 - LASERs

Question 1

Components of a LASER

Answer 1

1. Gain medium
2. Laser pumping source
3. Highly reflecting mirror
4. Partially reflecting mirror
5. Outcoupled laser beam

Question 2

LASER Characteristics

Answer 2

• Coherent
• Monochromatic
• Low Divergence (Collimated
• Inefficient

Question 3

LASER Irradiance

Answer 3

More power is concentrated on the target due to non-spherical spreading (piD²/4)

Question 4

Types of LASER applications

Answer 4

1. Range finding
2. Target Designation
3. Directed Energy Weapon
4. Dazzling

Question 5

LASER Range Finder traits

Answer 5

1. Range to target
2. Compared to RADAR
   * Higher accuracy
   * Lower max range
   * More susceptible to environmental factors

Question 6

LASER Designator traits

Answer 6

Used to mark and localize targets at night / low-light conditions
1. Homing for bombs and artillery
2. Portable
3. Visually covert, IR covert

Question 7

Directed Energy traits

Answer 7

Impose energy on a target in order to melt through target material
1. Fluence (F) = irradiance (E) * dwell time
2. Melt through target skin
3. Unique attentuation

Question 8

What is Fluence?

Answer 8

Irradiance (E) * total time (t) the LASER “dwells” on the target
- Incorporates scattering into approximating laser beam attenuation

Question 9

What is Atmospheric Turbulence?

Answer 9

Changes in air density and temp along propogation path = refraction of laser

Unpredictable and longer propgation path

Question 10

What is Blinding / Dazzling?

Answer 10

Use of the LASER to temporarily blind combatants

Used as a countermeasure