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Zagwodzki, T.

Publications and source records attributed to Zagwodzki, T..

Proposed SLR Optical Bench Required to Track Debris Using 1550 nm Lasers

A previous study has indicated that by using approx.1550 nm wavelengths a laser ranging system can track debris objects in an "eye safe" manner, while increasing the expected return rate by a factor of approx. 2/unit area of the telescope. In this presentation we develop the optical bench required to use approx.1550nm lasers, and integration with a 532nm system. We will use the optical bench configuration for NGSLR as the baseline, and indicate a possible injection point for the 1550 nm laser. The presentation will include what elements may need to be changed for transmitting the required power on the approx.1550nm wavelength, supporting the alignment of the laser to the telescope, and possible concerns for the telescope optics.

Satellite Laser Ranging

Intercomparison of satellite laser ranging accuracy of three NASA stations through collocation

The accuracy of laser ranging has been evaluated through comparisons of simultaneous LAGEOS satellite-borne laser ranging data received at three NASA tracking stations in support of the Crustal Dynamics project. Single-shot satellite ranging precisions of 8, 14, and 30 mm have been demonstrated at the three ground stations, with a stability better than 3 mm. The data-processing software used were POLYQUICK and GEODYN; a consistent degree of agreement between the three stations of less than 1 cm is obtained.

Varghese, T.

Variable CO2 laser attenuator

An infrared wavelength variable attenuator based on contra-rotating germanium wedges is examined theoretically. The device redirects the paths of internal reflections associated with an optical flat to avoid closely spaced parallel beams at the output. Complementary wedges separated by an air gap compose an optical flat which, when combined with a masking arrangement, restricts unwanted reflections. A model of the device was built and experimentally evaluated. The results compare favorably with the dynamic range of attenuation of 2 to 50 db from theoretical calculations, and show a substantial reduction in the etalon effect associated with pairs of optical flats.

Klein, B. J.