Photon return analysis of a polychromatic laser guide star

Authors
Froc, G Rosencher, E Attal-Tretout, B Michau, V
Citation
G. Froc et al., Photon return analysis of a polychromatic laser guide star, OPT COMMUN, 178(4-6), 2000, pp. 405-409
Citations number
7
Categorie Soggetti
Apllied Physucs/Condensed Matter/Materiales Science","Optics & Acoustics
Journal title
OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN journal
00304018 → ACNP
Volume
178
Issue
4-6
Year of publication
2000
Pages
405 - 409
Database
ISI
SICI code
0030-4018(20000515)178:4-6<405:PRAOAP>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
The numbers of UV photons detected in a two photon sodium guide star are ca lculated in different laser excitation regimes. These values are somewhat s maller than the one obtained for monochromatic beacon. This comes mostly fr om the small optical cross section of the 3P(3/2) - 4D(5/2) transition and the low radiative efficiency of the 4P(3/2) - 3S(1/2) one. However, usable amount of photons can be obtained for reasonable values of laser power. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.