Laser Radar Performance Analysis

Douglas P. Woodman

doi:10.1117/12.956096

11 September 1978 Laser Radar Performance Analysis

Douglas P. Woodman

Proceedings Volume 0134, Photo- and Electro-Optics in Range Instrumentation; (1978) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956096
Event: Photo and Electro-Optics in Range Instrumentation, 1978, Fort Walton Beach, United States

Abstract

This paper reviews the equations which characterize direct detection pulsed laser radar performance and illustrates their use for laser wavelengths in the 0.3 to 1.1 micron spectral region. The dependence of laser radar performance on both atmospheric and hardware parameters is discussed. The atmospheric effects include attenuation, scintillation and beam steering and the primary hardware parameters include laser wave-length and detector type. The attenuation analysis for slant paths includes models for two commonly encountered vertical attenuation coefficient profiles. One model assumes an exponential decrease of the attenuation coefficient with altitude and the other simulates temperature inversion-induced haze layers. The analysis is applicable to terrestrial, airborne and ground-to-space applications. The results are presented in a graphical form which permits rapid performance estimates to be made for a variety of common laser wavelengths and atmospheric conditions.

Citation Download Citation

Douglas P. Woodman "Laser Radar Performance Analysis", Proc. SPIE 0134, Photo- and Electro-Optics in Range Instrumentation, (11 September 1978); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956096

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