Computation of Cloud Backscatter Power as a Function of Time for an Active Optical Radar.
Abstract
Cloud backscatter return can seriously affect the suitability of active optical radar systems for a particular application. In attempting to deal with this problem, it is necessary to know the power of cloud backscatter return at the receiver as a function of time. A computational procedure is desirable to enable a preliminary assessment of radar system feasibility and to aid in determining the effects of design changes on system performance. Even in instances where peak cloud return is greater than target return, it may be possible to utilize sensitivity time control (STC) to permit target detection and still avoid false alarms resulting from cloud return. A knowledge of the complete cloud return time function will permit an assessment of the effectiveness of STC. During the past year a procedure has been developed for computation of the cloud backscatter return as a function of time. The computation considers such elements as transmitter power time function, transmitter optical efficiency, transmitter and receiver beam geometry and alignment, cloud angular volume scattering function, and cloud optical extinction coefficient. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0515026
Entities
People
- Hubert H. Burroughs
Organizations
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake