Signal processing for coherent laser radar: integration of multiple pulses and effects of pointing errors

Philip E. Cassady; Ronald N. Murata

doi:10.1117/12.243556

26 June 1996 Signal processing for coherent laser radar: integration of multiple pulses and effects of pointing errors

Philip E. Cassady, Ronald N. Murata

Proceedings Volume 2748, Laser Radar Technology and Applications; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243556
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing and Controls, 1996, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

We have recently been examining the performance of coherent laser radar systems for theater missile defense missions from an airborne platform. The application requires long range performance from a light weight, small volume system using existing technology. Specialized signal processing is required to efficiently extract the maximum information from the available laser output power. In this paper we consider methods to improve system performance by combining several laser radar pulses, showing that, in the presence of target fading, incoherent pulse averaging is superior. We describe a straightforward calculation method for incoherent pulse averaging. Steady and unsteady pointing errors degrade the performance of a coherent laser radar system in an airborne application. We present a calculation method and predictions of the performance penalties associated with jitter and boresight error for fading targets.

Citation Download Citation

Philip E. Cassady and Ronald N. Murata "Signal processing for coherent laser radar: integration of multiple pulses and effects of pointing errors", Proc. SPIE 2748, Laser Radar Technology and Applications, (26 June 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243556

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