Optical Characterization of Materials in the Mid-Wave Infrared

Date of Award

8-1-2024

Degree Name

M.S. in Electro-Optics

Department

Department of Electro-Optics and Photonics

Advisor/Chair

Paul McManamon

Abstract

Material characterization begins with finding the refractive index of the respective materials. The goal of this thesis is to develop a method to find the refractive index utilizing a high-power tunable mid-wave infrared (MWIR) laser. The general techniques used to determine the refractive index using this laser follow the principles of the Fresnel equations of reflection and transmission coefficients. By collecting the Reflectance and Transmittance we can then determine the refractive index following the equations. Amid starting to use the laser there was a sudden and gradual drop in the laser power. From there the refractive index measurements turned into tests on the laser itself to find the root of the power drop. With a detour of working directly on the laser to provide the correct wavelength and adequate power began the direction of this thesis to find a reasonable method of finding the refractive index with this laser in its current state. While completing the multitude of refractive index tests, we explore the internal components of the laser and how it functions.

Keywords

Material Characterization; Refractive Index; Mid-wave Infrared; Laser;

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2024, author.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS