Calculate Total Solid Angle from Perpendicular Divergences in a Laser Beam?

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In summary, we have a laser beam with a diameter of 50 micrometers and a divergence of 10 millirads in both horizontal and vertical directions. The spectral brightness of the beam needs to be calculated, which is the power per unit area per unit solid angle per 0.01 percent bandwidth. The power and area can be calculated, but the total solid angle can be found by multiplying the total divergence angles in both directions and dividing by the distance from the source squared.
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sachi
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we have radiation contained within a spectral band of width delta lambbda such tha (delta lambda)/lambda = (10^-4) the laser beam has a diameter of 50 micrometers and it has a divergence in both the horizontal and vertical directions of 10 millirads. we need to calculate the spectral brightness of the beam - i.e the power per unit area per unit solid angle per 0.01 percent bandwith. I can calculate the power, the area (this is the original area of the beam before it diverges) okay, but I'm a bit confused about the total solid angle. how do you convert a divergence is two perpendicular directions into a total solid angle (I have a feeling it has something to do with multiplying them together). thanks very much for your help.

Sachi
 
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sachi said:
...but I'm a bit confused about the total solid angle. how do you convert a divergence is two perpendicular directions into a total solid angle
Because the divergences are equal in both directions, the shape of the window formed on a distant plane will be a circle. If the total divergence angle is [itex] \theta[/itex] and this plane is at a distance R from the source, which is large compared to the width of the beam, then the area of the circle formed on the plane is [itex]\pi R^2 tan^2(\theta/2) \approx \pi R^2 \theta^2/4 [/itex]. Dividing by [itex]R^2[/itex] gives you the total solid angle.
 

What is spectral brightness?

Spectral brightness is a measure of the intensity of light at different wavelengths or colors. It is a way to describe how bright a source appears to be at different colors of light.

How is spectral brightness measured?

Spectral brightness is typically measured using a spectrometer, which separates the different wavelengths of light and measures the intensity at each wavelength. The resulting graph is called a spectral energy distribution (SED).

What factors affect spectral brightness?

The spectral brightness of a source can be affected by a variety of factors, including the temperature and composition of the source, the distance from the source, and the amount of dust and gas in between the source and the observer.

What is the difference between spectral brightness and luminosity?

Spectral brightness and luminosity are related concepts, but they measure different things. Spectral brightness is a measure of the intensity of light at different wavelengths, while luminosity is a measure of the total amount of energy emitted by a source. In other words, spectral brightness describes the color of a source, while luminosity describes the overall brightness.

Why is spectral brightness important in astronomy?

Spectral brightness is important in astronomy because it can provide valuable information about the properties and nature of celestial objects. By analyzing the SED of an object, astronomers can determine its temperature, composition, and distance, as well as study the effects of dust and gas in the surrounding environment.

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