Abstract

We describe the capabilities of a wave-length stabilized miniature backscatter laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) using diode lasers and avalanche photodiodes. A 70-mW GaAlAs index guided diode laser is used with wavelength stabilization of ~1 ×10⁻⁴ applying temperature and current control. In combination with a temperature controlled highly sensitive Si avalanche photodiode it is possible to obtain excellent signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of backscattered LDA signals for fluid flow velocities up to 200 m/s.

© 1990 Optical Society of America