Analysis of the photon return of a polychromatic laser guide star

Authors
Froc, G Rosencher, E Attal-Tretout, B Michau, V
Citation
G. Froc et al., Analysis of the photon return of a polychromatic laser guide star, J PHYS IV, 10(P8), 2000, pp. 93-100
Citations number
7
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
JOURNAL DE PHYSIQUE IV
ISSN journal
11554339 → ACNP
Volume
10
Issue
P8
Year of publication
2000
Pages
93 - 100
Database
ISI
SICI code
1155-4339(200005)10:P8<93:AOTPRO>2.0.ZU;2-T
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(3/7), - 3S(1/2) one. However, usable amount of photons (1000) can be obtained for reasonable values of laser po wer.