Ring laser for the determination of linear velocities

An experimental investigation was made of the feasibility of using a ring laser in a study of weakly scattering objects, particularly in the measurements of linear velocities. Part of the radiation scattered or reflected by an object returns to the laser resonator and alters the coupling coefficient between the opposite waves and this changes their intensities. The results indicate that the sensitivity of such a system is governed primarily by the laser power, coupling coefficient, ratio of the intensities of the opposite waves, and velocity of the moving object.