Laser Beam Projection with Adaptive Array of Fiber Collimators. I. Basic Considerations for Analysis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2008

Publication Source

Journal of the Optical Society of America A

Abstract

We present a mathematical model and provide an analysis of optical beam director systems composed of adaptive arrays of fiber collimators (subapertures), referred to here as conformal optical systems. Performances of the following two system architectures are compared: A conformal-beam director with mutually incoherent output laser beams transmitted through fiber collimators (beamlets), and a corresponding coherent system whose beamlets can be coherently combined (phase locked) at a remote target plane. The effect of the major characteristics of the conformal systems on the efficiency of laser beam projection is evaluated both analytically and through numerical simulations. The characteristics considered here are the number of fiber collimators and the subaperture and conformal aperture fill factors, as well as the accuracy of beamlet pointing.

Inclusive pages

1949-1959

ISBN/ISSN

1084-7529

Comments

© 2008 Optical Society of America. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modifications of the content of this paper are prohibited.

Permission documentation on file.

Publisher

Optical Society of America

Volume

25

Issue

8

Place of Publication

Washington, DC

Peer Reviewed

yes

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