Saturation spectroscopy techniques were used to demonstrate the ability to make spatially resolved temperature measurements by exploiting the electronic transition in molecular iodine. Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy measurements resulted in hyperfine spectral profiles for the P(70) 17-1 and P(53) 19-2 ro-vibrational transitions between the electronic levels. Doppler-limited saturation spectroscopy, an adaptation of the Doppler-free technique in which beams propagate in the same direction and cross within the gas sample, allowed for the measurement of spatially resolved Doppler profiles for the same transitions. The profiles were measured at several spatial positions in I2 cel1s with measured temperature gradients. The technique did not produce accurate temperature readings; however, the saturation spectroscopy variant did produce profiles that were spatially resolved, with an interaction volume of approximately 12 x 1 x 1 (mm units). This thesis was motivated by the Air Force's Airborne Laser Laboratory (ABL), which has a need to discriminate a spatially distributed temperature distribution. The Chemical Oxygen lodine Laser (COIL), which is the high power directed energy source for ABL, has a low concentration as a reaction byproduct. Line-integrated optical temperature measurements inside the COIL reaction chamber have been higher than predicted, which can have a dramatic effect on the threshold condition for the laser.

One must know the enemy to win. To determine technologies that provide the best return on Air Force investment, decision-makers require a common context regarding the future threat space. The author bounds the future threat space using four plausible scenarios based on understanding where the enemy will fight, and with what, drawing on historical similarities and futures research. By combining joint operational planning concepts, effects-based operational principles, capabilities-based planning processes, and scenario thinking, the author developed a list of most likely adversary capabilities for each scenario. Since common context is the primary deliverable, the author discusses the uniqueness of each scenario, as well as aspects that challenge the future choice and application of technology solutions.