Optimization for Improvement of Laser Radar Propagation Range in Detecting and Tracking Cooperative Targets

Abstract

A pulsed Laser Radar "LADAR" system is evaluated for detecting and tracking cooperative retro-reflector carrying targets against noise, clutter, back-scatter, and other propagation effects. A set of equations, developed for the propagation and tracking of conventional Microwave Radar systems, was reconfigured and adapted to the optical case. As a result, an efficient statistical method is developed for computing the pulsed LADAR system effective range as a function of false alarm and detection probabilities. An optimization process enables significant increase in operation range with conventional equipment. New methods for improving the LADAR systems range and performance are discussed. The presented analysis and computation method has proved to be useful in the design stages of operational LADAR detection and tracking systems.