Optimizing the performance of modulated pulse laser systems for imaging and ranging applications

L. Mullen; R. Lee; D. Illig

doi:10.1117/12.2264619

22 May 2017 Optimizing the performance of modulated pulse laser systems for imaging and ranging applications

L. Mullen, R. Lee, D. Illig

Proceedings Volume 10186, Ocean Sensing and Monitoring IX; 101860E (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2264619
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2017, Anaheim, CA, United States

Abstract

Blue-green laser systems are being developed for optical imaging and ranging in the underwater environment. The imaging application requires high range resolution to distinguish between multiple targets in the scene or between multiple target features, while the ranging application benefits from measurements with high range accuracy. The group at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in Patuxent River, MD has been investigating the merging of wideband radar modulation schemes with a pulsed laser system for underwater imaging and ranging applications. For the imaging application, the narrow peak produced by pulse compression at the receiver offers enhanced range resolution relative to traditional short pulse approaches. For ranging, the selection of modulation frequency bands approaching 1GHz provides backscatter and forward scatter suppression and enhanced range accuracy. Both passband and baseband digital processing have been applied to data collected in laboratory water tank experiments. The results have shown that the choice of processing scheme has a significant impact on optimizing the performance of modulated pulse laser systems for either imaging or ranging applications. These different processing schemes will be discussed, and results showing the effect of the processing schemes for imaging and ranging will be presented.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

L. Mullen, R. Lee, and D. Illig "Optimizing the performance of modulated pulse laser systems for imaging and ranging applications", Proc. SPIE 10186, Ocean Sensing and Monitoring IX, 101860E (22 May 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2264619

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available