Solid state pulsed coherent laser radar for short range velocimetry applications
US5317376A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 31, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/58
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention presents a method and apparatus for utilizing a single frequency, self seeding laser pulse signal transmitted to create a target beam to be projected toward an atmospheric target whereby a portion will be reflected back upon itself, and a local oscillator beam constructed to a shape approximating a low level elongated square wave pulse to be heterodyned with the returning target beam. A radio frequency voltage drives an acousto-optic modulator and amplitude modulates the local oscillator beam to form an optical output that is a flat top pulse resembling a square wave function. The local oscillator beam and returning target beam are polarization adjusted to match and are then combined and focused onto detector. The system is effective for use as an aircraft velocimeter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.