Technique for Calibrating High Energy Laser Calorimeters

The technique uses high-power electric lamps to inject radiant energy into the calorimeter. With this technique, an NRL ball calorimeter was calibrated using 6 lamps emitting approximately 40 kW of power. Calorimeter constants are derived from measurements of the power to the lamps and the time duration. Factors affecting accuracy are described and accuracy of the technique is evaluated. Equations of predicted response are derived, and predicted values of response are compared to measured values. Methods used to minimize ambient temperature drift and to check calibration accuracy are described.