Linear FM chirp laser
US4666295A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 1984 |
| Grant date | May 19, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/26
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser radar system employing a linear FM chirp laser followed by post detection pulse compression by a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. The system includes an FM chirp modulator that provides the needed tuning range and linearity for pulse compression. This modulation is accomplished by using a high-pressure CO.sub.2 laser with an intracavity electro-optic modulator of CdTe. The frequency of the transmitter laser is accurately controlled through the application of high linearity, high frequency, sawtooth voltages to the two plates of the CdTe crystal, with the voltage waveform applied to one plate being out of phase with that applied to the other crystal plate. With the performance the system offers, absolute radar ranges can be measured to 0.22 m and velocities to 0.37 m/sec.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.