ABSTRACT
We describe the retrieval of nighttime lidar profiles by use of a large holographic optical element to simultaneously collect and spectrally disperse Raman-shifted return signals. Results obtained with a 20-Hz, 6-mJ/pulse , frequency-tripled Nd:YAG source demonstrate profiles for atmospheric nitrogen with a range greater than 1 km for a time average of 26 s.
ABSTRACT
Volume holographic optical elements exhibit a property that we call bidiffringence, in which the diffraction efficiency of the element is strongly dependent on the polarization of the incident beam. Dualelement, volume holographic polarization separators utilizing bidiffringence can provide high extinction ratios, and they can provide greater angular separation of the polarized beams and greater flexibility in the beam-separation parameters than conventional birefringent elements. We designed and constructed holographic polarization separators using dichromated gelatin as the holographic medium. Experimental results are compared with the results predicted by the Kogelnik coupled wave theory.
