Imaging Q-switched CO_2 laser radar with heterodyne detection: design and evaluation

Abstract

A Q-switched CO2 laser radar with heterodyne detection has been designed and evaluated. A simplified theory has been used to optimize the Q-switched laser for high-resolution ranging. The return signal statistics from diffuse, glint, and topographical targets have been investigated, and statistical distributions have been fitted to the experimental data. Detection of specific targets in laser radar images using range gating has also been studied.