Scientific applications of frequency-stabilized laser technology in space

This report is a synoptic investigation of the uses of frequency-stabilized lasers for scientific applications in space. It begins by summarizing properties of lasers, characterizing their frequency stability, and describing limitations and techniques to achieve certain levels of frequency stability. Limits to precision set by laser frequency stability for various kinds of measurements are investigated and compared with other sources of error. These other sources include photon-counting statistics, scattered laser light , fluctuations in laser power and intesity distribution across the beam, propagation effects, mechanical and thermal noise, and radiation pressure. -- From abstract.