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Catadioptric Optics for laser Doppler velocimeter applicationsIn the design of a laser velocimeter system, attention must be given to the performance of the optical elements in their two principal tasks: focusing laser radiation into the probe volume, and collecting the scattered light. For large aperture applications, custom lens design and fabrication costs, long optical path requirements, and chromatic aberration (for two color operation) can be problematic. The adaptation of low cost Schmidt-Cassegrain astronomical telescopes to perform these laser beam manipulation and scattered light collection tasks is examined. A generic telescope design is analyzed using ray tracing and Gaussian beam propagation theory, and a simple modification procedure for converting from infinite to near unity conjugate ratio operation with image quality near the diffraction limit was identified. Modification requirements and performance are predicted for a range of geometries. Finally, a 200-mm-aperture telescope was modified for f/10 operation; performance data for this modified optic for both laser beam focusing and scattered light collection tasks agree well with predictions.
Document ID
19900003588
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Dunagan, Stephen E. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1989
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-102210
A-89201
NAS 1.15:102210
Accession Number
90N12904
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 505-61-51
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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