An overview of avalanche photodiodes and pulsed lasers as they are used in 3D laser radar type applications

Bruno Dion; Nick Bertone

doi:10.1117/12.564900

3 August 2004 An overview of avalanche photodiodes and pulsed lasers as they are used in 3D laser radar type applications

Bruno Dion, Nick Bertone

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5435, Enabling Photonic Technologies for Aerospace Applications VI; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.564900
Event: Defense and Security, 2004, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

This paper will examine how Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) and Infrared Pulsed lasers (PL) are used and optimized to provide the "intelligence" to smart weapons. The basics of APD's and PL will be covered and the principle "time of flight ranging" which is the underlining principle of 3D laser radar will be illustrated. The time of flight principle is used for range finding, lidar, 3D laser radar and speed measurements - this information can then be used to provide intelligence to the smart weapon. Examples of such systems are discussed and illustrated, for example: Cluster bombs, Proximity fuses, and how laser range finding systems can be incorporated with GPS to produce effective and lethal weapons. The APD's that are discussed include silicon APD's for cost effective weapons, and 1550nm APDs for eye-safe systems. An overview of the different PL's will be outlined, but the focus will be on 905nm laser pulsars for cost effective laser weapons.

Citation Download Citation

Bruno Dion and Nick Bertone "An overview of avalanche photodiodes and pulsed lasers as they are used in 3D laser radar type applications", Proc. SPIE 5435, Enabling Photonic Technologies for Aerospace Applications VI, (3 August 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.564900

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