[Laser] Reason for low traffic on this site.

[Chris L]

Dear people,

As a group with a long-term interest in optical comms, and, we think, 
currently holding a world record for freespace non-laser audio comms (167.7 
kms in Tasmania, VK7MJ - VK7JG, 19 February 2005), I think the reasons for 
the lack of activity here may include:

(1) A tendency to be dismissive towards those who choose non-laser comms.
(2) A considerable degree of optical misinformation circulating here.
(3) A lack of information on related atmospheric physics papers, such as in 
Optics and Photonics News items and in the SPIE.
(4) Assumptions about the 'superiority' of lasers in atmospheric comms - to 
which many types of lasers are unsuited, or worse, are using laser beam flux 
powers along horizontal atmospheric paths which are very likely to be the 
accidental cause of eye damage.
(5) A lack of general knowledge about the availability and suitability of 
collimator optics, including fresnels, large-aperture mirrors, catadioptric 
systems, beam spreaders (for safety) and the like.

It was for this reason that VK3HZ, VK7MJ and myself set up the following web 
sites, which contain many links to scientific papers and optical texts:

http://www.bluehaze.com.au/modlight

Australian Optical_DX group on Yahoo.com

Most of our traffic, information, communications and links has gone there. 
Viewing and membership is open to all and the moderator of the latter 
discussion group is Dave Smith VK3HZ.

With thanks,

Chris Long; Dave Smith VK3HZ; Dr Michael Groth VK7MJ.