ASTRONOMY: Sodium guidestar laser uses fiber Raman technology

Aug. 1, 2009
Large ground-based telescopes can use a sodium “guidestar” to enable active compensation of atmospheric disturbances using adaptive optics and making possible high-resolution ground-based astronomical observations.
(Image courtesy of Toptica Photonics)
Th Astronomy 0809 01

Large ground-based telescopes can use a sodium “guidestar” to enable active compensation of atmospheric disturbances using adaptive optics and making possible high-resolution ground-based astronomical observations. A guidestar is created by excitation of the atmospheric sodium layer (D2 line) using a powerful 589 nm laser to generate strong resonance fluorescence.

Existing laser guidestar systems are typically cumbersome and based on dye lasers or sum-frequency systems. At the Laser, World of Photonics event in Munich last month, Toptica Photonics (Graefelfing, Germany) and MPB Communications (Montreal, Canada) showcased a novel guidestar laser based on the European Southern Observatory's narrowband fiber Raman laser technology. The partners’ design delivers more than 20 W single-mode output at 589 nm. “Our approach holds the promise that the output power can be extended well beyond 20 W, to a level that the next-generation telescopes may require,” says Toptica’s President Wilhelm Kaenders. 

About the Author

Stephen G. Anderson | Director, Industry Development - SPIE

 Stephen Anderson is a photonics industry expert with an international background and has been actively involved with lasers and photonics for more than 30 years. As Director, Industry Development at SPIE – The international society for optics and photonics – he is responsible for tracking the photonics industry markets and technology to help define long-term strategy, while also facilitating development of SPIE’s industry activities. Before joining SPIE, Anderson was Associate Publisher and Editor in Chief of Laser Focus World and chaired the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar. Anderson also co-founded the BioOptics World brand. Anderson holds a chemistry degree from the University of York and an Executive MBA from Golden Gate University.    

Sponsored Recommendations

How to Tune Servo Systems: Force Control

Oct. 23, 2024
Tuning the servo system to meet or exceed the performance specification can be a troubling task, join our webinar to learn to optimize performance.

Laser Machining: Dynamic Error Reduction via Galvo Compensation

Oct. 23, 2024
A common misconception is that high throughput implies higher speeds, but the real factor that impacts throughput is higher accelerations. Read more here!

Boost Productivity and Process Quality in High-Performance Laser Processing

Oct. 23, 2024
Read a discussion about developments in high-dynamic laser processing that improve process throughput and part quality.

Precision Automation Technologies that Minimize Laser Cut Hypotube Manufacturing Risk

Oct. 23, 2024
In this webinar, you will discover the precision automation technologies essential for manufacturing high-quality laser-cut hypotubes. Learn key processes, techniques, and best...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!