Line Array Imaging Techniques

This optical design study determined the utility of mechanically- scanned transmitter techniques for a laser radar designed for fine-grained target imaging and tracking. Beam combiner techniques were studied to permit the laser radar to share large diameter optics with a high-energy laser. Beam combiners are not currently available; thus, the recommended optical design is based upon a dual aperture system. A survey of scanning techniques was performed to determine the most optimum scanner for a high efficiency system with 100 x 100 diffraction-limited resolution elements operating at 100 frames per second. Upon completion of the survey, concentrated effort was placed on the application of a multifaceted rotating scanner and a torsional oscillating scanner. The study included investigations in the following areas: Scanner distortion, offset angle correction, optical cross-talk, signal-to-noise, Doppler bandwidth, range accuracy requirements, optical design consideration, and numerous other related areas.