Starting with basic physics, this monograph is written in 12 chapters and covers: laser beam propagation in atmosphere and effects like molecular absorption and scattering, random refraction and dispersion affecting intensity and collimation; laser sources like solid state and OPO, gaseous, semiconductors; optical resonators used for better beam quality and frequency stability are discussed; pumping/excitation of laser materials and cooling devices; Q-switching techniques like mechanical, electro-optics and passive elements for generation of giant pulse; electronics, optics and thin film technology including fabrication and specifications of critical components used in range finders; photo multiplier, avalanche photodiodes, MCT and InSb detectors are described for laser echo detection; design of ranging system, including assembly and testing, recent development; laser safety and precautions for operation and maintenance of ranging systems (318 pages, 248 references, 133 figures and 21 photos).
Mr.N.Mansharamani, Ex Scientist F/Head, Solid State Laser Division, Instrument Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun Born in Karachi on 20th July 1937. He received the M.Sc (Physics) from Maharajas's College, Jaipur in 1960 and M.Sc (Technology-Electronics) Birla Engineering College (now Birla Institute of Science & Technology), Pilani in 1962. He worked as Assistant Physicist (Instruments) (1962-65) at Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi. He joined post of Senior Scientific Officer, at Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) in 1965. After creating research facilities in solid state laser at IRDE, he developed ruby laser range finder in 1971 and using Nd: Glass material developed at CGCR&I, Calcutta developed Nd: Glass laser range finder in 1975. On his visiting assignment in Laser Division, at Royal Signal & Radar Establishment (RSRE), U.K. (1976-77) he worked on low-level detection techniques used in laser range finders being developed there. His main contribution is in development of Nd: Glass laser range finders for T-55 tank and Nd: YAG hand held laser range finder for Arty OP role and their technology transfer to M/S Bharat Electronics Limited, Pune. He has published 28 papers and guided postgraduate students of applied physics and surgery for their thesis in his laboratory at IRDE. He has written a monograph entitled, "Elements on laser ranging techniques" as per user's requirement with financial grant received from Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi. This book was published in 2001. He has published in October 2006, monograph entitled, "Greenhouse Effect-Lidar Techniques" ISBN: 81-7525-789-X. He is life fellow member of Optical Society of India, Calcutta and Indian Laser Association, Indore. He was also fellow member of Institute of Electrical & Telecommunication Engineer's, New Delhi in 1992, and Member IEEE, New York, USA in 1964.
