MILD: a laser altimeter transmitter for a Mercury planetary orbiter

• Published in: Applied physics. B, Lasers and optics Vol. 92; no. 3; pp. 431 - 438
• Main Authors: Ciofini, M., Favilla, E., Lapucci, A., Sani, E., Capanni, A., Tommasi, L.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01-09-2008; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied physics; Beam characteristics: profile, intensity, and power; spatial pattern formation; Biological and medical applications; Engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Laser altimeters; Laser optical systems: design and operation; Lasers; Mercury (planet); Mercury spacecraft; Metrological applications; Microlasers; Optical Devices; Optics; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Planetary orbiters; Power amplifiers; Pulse duration; Quantum Optics; Resonators, cavities, amplifiers, arrays, and rings; Solar system; Space missions; Spaceborne and space research instruments, apparatus and components (satellites, space vehicles, etc.); Master Oscillator; Output Coupler; Beam Intensity Distribution; Pump Power; Cavity Length; Pulse width; Output power; Radiation quality; Mercury planet; Altimeters; Cavity resonators; Laser beam applications; Laser cavity resonators; Pulsed lasers
• ISSN: 0946-2171; 1432-0649
• DOI: 10.1007/s00340-008-3131-2

We report on the design and preliminary development of a micro laser (MILD) breadboard (BB). The laser source is designed to be used as the transmitter unit of a laser altimeter for planetary investigations. The reference scenario is the ESA BepiColombo mission to Mercury (presently scheduled to be launched in 2012) but possible applications to minor solar system bodies may be included.
In order to fulfil the laser source requirements for this kind of application we adopted a master-oscillator-power-amplifier (MOPA) scheme. Analysis of the MO efficiency, pulse duration and beam characterisation in different resonator configurations is described together with the preliminary PA performance on a ± 10 °C temperature range.