An improved scan laser with a VO2programmable mirror |
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| Authors: | Chivian J Scott M Case W Krasutsky N |
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| Institution: | Vought Corporation Advanced Technology Center, Dallas, TX, USA; |
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| Abstract: | A 10.6 μm scan laser has been constructed and operated with an off-axis cathode ray tube, high reflectance multilayer thin-film structures, and a tapered plasma discharge tube. Equations are given for the switching time of a high-reflectance spot on the VO2and for the relation of scan laser output power to cavity geometry, cavity losses, and the gain of the active CO2medium. A scan capability of2.1 times 10^{3}easily resolvable directions was demonstrated, and sequential and randomly addressed spot rates of 105/s were achieved. The equations relating output power and cavity mode size were experimentally verified using a nonscanned beam. |
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