Abstract

Measurements are given of the reflectivity coefficient for a variety of wires and cables at 10.6 μm. The results are presented as a function of wire incidence angle for two polarizations, parallel and perpendicular to the samples. The normal incidence reflectivity is very high, ranging from 610% for aluminum wire down to 16.8% for hemp rope in parallel polarization. The perpendicular polarization results are lower by a factor that varied from 5.9 to 2.04. Depolarization by the wires was also determined. The depolarization ratio was found to vary between 17.7% and 1%, being larger for the more irregular samples. The results indicate that a wire avoidance system could be developed for airplanes or helicopters using a scanning 10.6-μm laser and coherent receiver. The power required for such an application is estimated from the data and is found to be relatively low, only 28 W being required to cover a 20° × 90° field in 1 sec.

© 1973 Optical Society of America

Absorption Coefficient as a Function of Resistance for Optical Germanium at 10.6 μm

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