Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2002
Publication Source
Optical Engineering
Abstract
We present four receiver designs for a ladar system, based on an optical parametric amplifier, that is designed to collect returns from glint targets. After coupling the return energy into periodically poled lithium niobate, the target backscatter is detected with either an infrared camera or a CCD array. Assuming reasonable detector and system characteristics, the sensitivity of each design is then evaluated by setting the receiver SNR detection threshold equal to one and using the minimum transmitted energy as the figure of merit. Through numerical analysis, we show that an upconversion receiver followed by a visible CCD array offers the best trade-off between sensitivity and practical design for airborne ladar applications.
Inclusive pages
1577-1585
ISBN/ISSN
0091-3286
Document Version
Published Version
Copyright
Copyright © 2002, Society of Photo Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Publisher
Society of Photo Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Volume
41
Issue
7
Peer Reviewed
yes
Keywords
glint targets, ladar, image upconversion
eCommons Citation
Brewer, Christopher D.; Duncan, Bradley D.; and Watson, Edward A., "Sensitivity Comparison of Ladar Receivers Designed to Detect Glint Targets" (2002). Electro-Optics and Photonics Faculty Publications. 2.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/eop_fac_pub/2
Comments
Paper is made available for download in compliance with publisher policy on self-archiving and with author permission. Permission documentation is on file.
One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.