Contents
Source: Semantic Scholar
Understanding Thermal Blooming in Laser Beams
Physical Mechanisms Behind Thermal Blooming
Thermal blooming occurs when high-power laser beams pass through a medium like air or seawater. The beam profile distorts due to local heating caused by absorption of laser power in the medium. This heating leads to changes in temperature and density, affecting the refractive index and causing beam distortions and defocusing.
Factors Influencing Thermal Blooming
The strength of thermal blooming depends on factors like optical power, beam radius, absorption coefficient of the medium, and external influences such as wind. High optical powers over long distances and substantial absorption exacerbate thermal blooming effects.
Relevance and Mitigation Strategies
Thermal blooming is significant in applications like laser weapons and atmospheric research. Mitigation strategies include optimizing beam parameters and using adaptive optics for pre-compensation of beam distortion.
Thermal Effects in Solids
In transparent solid mediums, thermal effects lead to refractive index changes, known as thermal lensing. Unlike gases and liquids, solids do not move significantly due to heating.
Thermal blooming is a complex phenomenon with practical implications in various laser applications. Understanding its mechanisms and factors influencing it is crucial for optimizing laser performance and mitigating detrimental effects.
Source: Semantic Scholar
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