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Optical-Fiber Preamplifiers For Ladar Detection And Associated Measurements For Improving The Signal-To-Noise Ratio, Michael Salisbury, Paul Mcmanamon, Bradley Duncan
Optical-Fiber Preamplifiers For Ladar Detection And Associated Measurements For Improving The Signal-To-Noise Ratio, Michael Salisbury, Paul Mcmanamon, Bradley Duncan
Bradley D. Duncan
In an effort to increase achievable postdetection signal-tonoise ratios (SNRs) of continuous-wave, 1-gm all-solid-state ladar systems, a prototype rare-earth-doped optical-fiber amplifier has been included in the optical return signal path of both a heterodyne and a directdetection ladar system. We provide numerical predictions for SNR increases according to our previously developed theory. We also detail our experimental efforts and provide the results of SNR measurements for four distinct cases: direct ladar detection with and without a fiber amplifier, and heterodyne ladar detection with and without a fiber amplifier. Experimentally measured increases in SNRs for ladar systems incorporating an optical-fiber amplifier …
Analysis Of Ladar Range Resolution Enhancement By Sinusoidal Phase Modulation, Leonard Masters, Martin Mark, Bradley Duncan
Analysis Of Ladar Range Resolution Enhancement By Sinusoidal Phase Modulation, Leonard Masters, Martin Mark, Bradley Duncan
Bradley D. Duncan
The ability of a ladar system to resolve two or more separate returns from a combined echo is related to the effective correlation bandwidth of the pulse emitted by the ladar system. Phase modulation of an outgoing pulse introduces additional frequency components, which increases the effective correlation bandwidth of the pulse and thus improves the range resolution of the system. In this paper, we discuss the general theoretical basis for achieving improved range resolution using a modulated waveform and a matched filter receiver. We then demonstrate these concepts by considering the particular case of improved range resolution for a sinusoidally …
A Technique For Removing Platform Vibration Noise From A Pulsed Ladar Vibration Sensor, Troy Sturm, R. Richmond, Bradley Duncan
A Technique For Removing Platform Vibration Noise From A Pulsed Ladar Vibration Sensor, Troy Sturm, R. Richmond, Bradley Duncan
Bradley D. Duncan
A technique has been developed for removing platform-induced vibration noise from a pulsed ladar vibration sensor. Deriving the vibrational characteristics of the platform is accomplished by simulating ambient atmospheric aerosols as a stationary reference target. Using a pulsed coherent detection ladar, the instantaneous Doppler frequency shifts from both aerosols and a distant hard target are measured and recorded, while the data acquisition is range gated so that both Doppler measurements are made from a single pulse. Periodic measurements are then made to develop a time history of the fluctuations in the Doppler signals, after which two vibration spectra are derived …