Comparison of Triature Doppler Velocimetry and Visar

Abstract

Triature Photon Doppler Velocimetry (TDV) is an adaptation of Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) that rejects common-mode data noise after splitting PDV three ways, with each signal 120° out of phase from each other. Testing has demonstrated that the TDV also improves temporal resolution from the typical five-nanoseconds of PDV to a subnanosecond range. This paper compares the temporal response of TDV with that of PDV and VISAR [velocity interferometer system for any reflector] in an experiment with a subnanosecond (∼120-picosecond rise time) shock source.Laboratory tests were performed using a high-power laser on targets of copper and aluminum. A fast VISAR with a single-point PDV and a prototype TDV were used. A special probe that combined PDV, TDV, and fast VISAR made simultaneous velocity measurements. Breakout velocities of 1.3 km/second on copper and 2.5 km/second on aluminum were observed, where TDV resolved rise times of ∼200 ps. This resolution was better than that of a fast VISAR, which can achieve ∼500 ps temporal resolution. Test methods and results are presented.