If lasers cross-over, do they "add up"

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    Laser Lasers
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interaction of laser beams when they cross each other, specifically focusing on whether they can ionize each other and how to measure their intensities with sensors. The context includes considerations of aerospace applications and the behavior of lasers in space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether two lasers can "ionisate" each other when they cross, seeking clarification on the term.
  • Another participant suggests that the intensities of the lasers will generally add up, but notes that interference could complicate the situation.
  • There is a request for clarification on what types of intensities can be measured and whether lasers function in space.
  • A participant expresses a desire to measure the effect of one laser crossing another using a sensor, specifically in an aerospace context.
  • One participant emphasizes that lasers do not "hit" each other, but rather light waves pass through one another, suggesting that the intensity can be measured at the intersection point.
  • It is proposed that a photodetector could be used to measure the power absorbed at the intersection of the laser beams.
  • Another participant reiterates that measuring the intensity at the crossing point will yield the sum of the individual laser intensities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of laser interactions, with some asserting that lasers simply pass through each other without special effects, while others seek to explore the measurement of their intensities. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of measuring these interactions.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of terms like "ionisate," and the participants do not fully resolve the complexities of measuring laser interactions or the conditions under which intensities might add up or interfere.

Observeraren
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Hello,

If two lasers cross over, do tehy ionisate each other. If i have sensor in laser measuring ionisation going out etc can it see that laser 2 is crossing over it?
ukbDn
 
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What do you mean by "ionisate each other"? "ionisate" is not a word.

If you mean the intensity: In general the intensities will add up. In special cases you can get interference, then it gets more complicated.
A better description of your setup would help.
 
Hello,

ok, what kind of intensities will add up? I want to have a sensor by the laser that can pick up the intensities. Does laser work in space?
 
Observeraren said:
ok, what kind of intensities will add up?
What do you mean by "what kind of intensity"?
Observeraren said:
Does laser work in space?
Sure.
 
With "what kind of intensity" I am asking for the best way to measure the effect of a laser hitting another laser. I want to know with a sensor that if the another laser is crossing over the laser or not, in aerospace.
Thank you for your time. it is limited for all of us.
 
Can i have sensor in place A (from pic) measuring the laser beam and detect the crossover of the another laser.

EDIT: what kind of sensor.
 

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Observeraren said:
With "what kind of intensity" I am asking for the best way to measure the effect of a laser hitting another laser. I want to know with a sensor that if the another laser is crossing over the laser or not, in aerospace.
Lasers don't hit each other; light waves pass through each other. You can, however, measure the "intensity" as power absorbed by a photodetector placed where they intersect. Is that what you are looking for?
 
Lasers don't "hit" each other. Two laser beams crossing each other will just pass through each other. There is no special effect that you could measure.
If you measure the intensity directly at the point where they cross, you'll measure the sum of the intensities of the individual laser beams.

The sensor at "a" won't be influenced by the vertical laser.
 
Thank you!
 

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