A laser beacon for monitoring the mesospheric sodium layer at La Palma |
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| Authors: | L Michaille A D Cañas J C Dainty J Maxwell T Gregory J C Quartel F C Reavell R W Wilson N J Wooder |
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| Institution: | Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2BZ;Isaac Newton Group, Apartado 321, 38780 Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands, Spain;ATC, Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE |
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| Abstract: | We report the results of the first laser beacon experiment at the astronomical site of La Palma (Canary Islands). A continuous wave low‐power laser (a few hundred mW) system has been set up. The laser, tuned on the sodium D2 line at 589 nm, is launched close to the zenith angle. The emission of the mesospheric sodium layer is observed from a telescope located 160 m away from the laser. The layer is therefore resolved in altitude and the different features of its dynamics are investigated. |
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| Keywords: | atomic processes scattering atmospheric effects site testing telescopes |
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