NASA | Laser Focus

The video tutorial explains the process of transmitting laser beams from a satellite to Earth and back to measure ice elevation. It covers the components involved, such as the optical bench, polarizing beam combiner, and laser sampling assembly. The tutorial also details the beam expansion and steering mechanisms, as well as the role of the diffractive optical element in splitting the beam into six parts for scientific measurements.

What is the primary purpose of the polarizing beam combiner in the laser transmission process?

• To cool down the laser components

• To direct the laser light in two different directions

• To change the color of the laser

• To increase the power of the laser

How does the beam steering mirror help in maintaining the direction of the laser beam?

• By increasing the speed of the beam

• By changing the color of the beam

• By compensating for thermal changes that cause the bench to bend

• By adjusting the beam's intensity

What happens to the laser beam when it hits the first small mirror?

• It changes color

• It splits into six beams

• It expands from 10 millimeters to 44 millimeters

• It stops moving

What is the function of the diffractive optical element in the laser system?

• To focus the laser beam

• To split the laser beam into six different beams

• To increase the laser beam's speed

• To change the laser beam's color

Why is it important for the laser beam to be split into six different beams?

• To increase the power of the laser

• To make the laser beam invisible

• To reduce the cost of the mission

• To cover a larger area for scientific measurements