Coordinated multi-wavelength laser system propagation experiments

Atmospheric propagation degradation effects including attenuation, aerosol scattering and turbulence have a great impact on the performance of optical systems. Relevant military optical systems include active and passive imaging for target recognition, free-space optical communication and DIRCMIEOCM. This paper will report on experimental work including measurement of retro signals at 1.5 and in the 3-5 mu m wavelength regions for evaluation of retro communication links and DIRCM performance. Imaging experiments using a range-gated system both in the active and passive mode at 1.5 mu m, will also be carried along the same paths. A dedicated target box and test targets have been fabricated for mounting on a mast at 8 km from our laboratory. The box contains reflectors and receivers in different slots each of which can be opened by a telephone call. A heated target on top simulates a point target in the IR region. The test targets are aimed for the range-gated imaging system. Preliminary experimental data will be presented and discussed.