AN INFORMAL PROPOSAL BRIEF FOR A LASER DISPLAY FEASIBILITY STUDY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A003100020025-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 24, 2011
• Sequence Number: 25
• Publication Date: April 14, 1964
• Content Type: BRIEF

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/05/24: CIA-RDP78BO4747AO03100020025-9
AN INFO L PROPOSAL BRW
FOR A
LASER DISPLAY FEASIBI= STUDY
STAT
14 April 1964
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 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/05/24: CIA-RDP78BO4747AO03100020025-9
Three basic types of screens may be used with the display techniques
considered here. Mesa are: a pans ve screensj, where no image retention
is provided and integration of the orma on splayed must be performed
by the eye or recording film. (b) ho ens Mich provide Image
retention. This type of swoon is or great erest, especially for use
with the U.V lasers. For use with visible wavelength and U lawns, theme
quenched phosphors will be considered. (o) The possibility of wing an
image-Intensifier type of screen in conjunction with laser displa'u will
be studied. ftis, type of screen could yield a black and white dis rlar
as well as light anplific&tion. For oxample, a large screen aonsi:stiug
of two parallel glass plates, one coated with an S-20 photo cathode
material and the other coated with: a P.4 phosphor, might be used. The
plates could be sr closely spaced,. resulting in a lox voltage rec4ire-
ment to produce the necessary field. The resolution,. Image brightt ese
and decay times for screens of this type will be considered.
A final report will be prepared showing the results of the stx car.
Based on information gained during the studies, two system cenfigwations
will be defined: an optima system using presently availabl s lasers
and techniques; and an optimum system using expected future lasers and
techniques. The results of the study will be compiled in such a wry as
to allow an optimum display system design analysis to be idiate'ly
performed for a $' of the applications of interest.
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IS F4j. ~ ' STtJD7f
STATEMEN OF TrOR C
I. r
Conduct a study of the feasibility of laser system for performing
certain display functions presently performed by cathode-ray-tube (CRT)
systems. A portion of the study will be devoted to a study of the
interrelatiohips between various laser-system compo nts, and the
effects on these interrelationships udien various terms are utilized
in each of the components. Also, conduct trade-off studies to determine
the optimum combination of techniques and components for `both present and
future laser display systems for the following applications:
(1) Direct display
(2) High-resolution readout
3) Photographic processing and image enhannt.
Literature Search
Conduct a literature search in the areas of:
1) Optical Modulation
2) Optical Scanning
M Phosphors
Lasers
Conduct a survey of lasers and conventional light sources and
determine expected characteristics of future lasers and when such lasers
will become available. ..
Compare. the characteristics of visible wavelength lasers, U -V lasers,
and conventional light sources, and study the relative advantages of each
of these when applied to (1) direct displays, (2) high resolution read-out,
and (3) photographic processing and image enhancement. Bath of these light .
sources shall also:be studied relative to advantages or disadvantages when
used with various modulation andscannins techniques and types of screens.
~~~. Scar~nilnrr Tech~tieg
Study and compare the characteristics of mechanical scanners, non-
mechanical reflective scanners, and exotic scanning techniques.. Through
computations, determine the resolution and information rate offered by
each of these scanning techniques, and quantitatively compare the techniques.
V. Modulation T ousa Study
n Conduct a theoretical study of various modulation techniques,
such as interference modulation and electro-optic modulation, and deter-
mine the relative advantages of each when used with visible-wavelength
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/05/24: CIA-RDP78B04747A003100020025-9
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/05/24: CIA-RDP78BO4747AO03100020025-9
lasers, U -V lasers, and conventional light sources. The requirements
for modulation bandwidth,' modulation factor, etc., for each particular
display applications . .shall. be considered.
-------------------------- -
VI. Screens $tudy
Conduct.trade i'f:;studies for the various type. of laser display
screens as indicated .below;
A. Conduct.a ;study of various passive display screen materials for
use in the various applications of interest. Such characteristics-as
image brightness .a4 maximum possible resolution shall be. considered.
B. Conduct. a study of phosphors for use with,U-V lasers in the appli-
cationd of interest. Both presently available and expected future phosphors
shall. be considerede Resolution, decay time, image brightness, and spectral
characteristics:ofthe;,;phosphor shall be of primary consideration.
C. Conduct a study of thermally-quenched phosphors for possible use
with visible and I-R.lasers. Excitation wavelengths, excitation times,
decay times, and 'quenching times shall be considered. The ability of these
phosphors to produce 4mage inversion shall also be considered.
D. Determine a near-optimum configuration for an image-intensifier-
type display screen. -uch factors as spacing of the photocathode and
phosphor and type 0f' photocathode and phosphor materials will be considered.
VII. Final Report
Prepare, a Final Technical Report giving the results of the above
studies and defining optimum systems that may be designed both with
presently available components and techniques and with future components
and techniques. Present data and conclusions in a .form such that a
system design analysis may be performed without further study.
VIII. Quarts rlz status Repearts
Submit informal Quarterly status Reports at the end of the third
and sixth months of the program. These reports shall include the status
of the effort, major milestones for the past quarter, and the approach
for the next quarter.
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 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/05/24: CIA-RDP78BO4747AO03100020025-9
LASER DISPLAY FEAs J LITY STUDY
PRo6,RAM SCHEDULE
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