High energy laser beam steering with periodic shock waves

Michael S. McBeth

doi:10.1117/12.864812

12 October 2010 High energy laser beam steering with periodic shock waves

Michael S. McBeth

Proceedings Volume 7836, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures VII; 78360S (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.864812
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2010, Toulouse, France

Abstract

Atmospheric density gradients bend light as can be seen with naturally occurring mirages. Shock waves also produce density changes that bend or refract light. While a single shock front from a supersonic projectile refracts light only on the order of hundreds of arcseconds, theoretical results indicate that beam deflections of thirty or more degrees are possible from periodic shock waves. Two types of idealized plane periodic shock waves are analyzed. A ballisticsderived periodic shock wave based on empirical data from projectile firings and a synthetic-derived periodic shock wave based on a tradeoff between peak pressure amplitude and shock wave period required to produce a target density gradient. Predicted laser beam refractions from both types of idealized plane periodic shock waves are presented. Predicted laser beam steering angle versus peak pressure for fixed period synthetic-derived periodic shock waves is presented. Predicted laser beam steering angle versus shock wave period for fixed peak pressure amplitude syntheticderived periodic shock wave is presented.

Citation Download Citation

Michael S. McBeth "High energy laser beam steering with periodic shock waves", Proc. SPIE 7836, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures VII, 78360S (12 October 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.864812

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available