Joseph Vignola
Otis G. Zehl (SFA, Landover, MD 20785)
Brian H. Houston
Naval Res. Lab., Washington, DC 20375-5000
A three-dimensional laser vibrometer has been constructed, tested, and used for simultaneous measurements of three components of induced transient motion of target surfaces. Such target surfaces need to satisfy a wider range of optical scatter requirements than those for one-dimensional motion measurement. This presentation outlines some of these requirements for high signal visibility and describes several interesting target surfaces under test, including stainless steel, paints, polymer, and retroreflecting preparations. Data presented for these surfaces include signal strength (visibility), repeatability, stability, and effects of surface roughening and a water environment. Results are interpreted in terms of simple physical models where possible to better understand potential specialized target fabrication for improving future vibrometer measurement system performance.