An experiment based at New Mexico’s Apache Point observatory uses a laser beam to measure the distance to the Moon with millimet
er precision. The laser power is 120 GW, although it’s pulsed on for only 90 ps. The beam emerges from the laser with a diameter of 7.0 mm. It’s then beamed into a telescope aimed at the Moon. When the beam leaves the telescope, it has the telescope’s full 3.5-mm diameter. By the time it reaches the Moon, the beam has expanded to a diameter of 6.5 km. a. Find the intensity of the beam as it leaves the laser. Express your answer with the appropriate units.
b. Find the intensity of the beam as it leaves the telescope. Express your answer with the appropriate units.
