Set-Up and Alignment Aspects of a CO2-Laser radar for Applications in the Field
Abstract
A multifunctional system has been developed and built at TNO-FEL to study various aspects of laserradar applications. This system is based upon a CW CO2 laser, applies external modulation to the laserbeam and incorporate heterodyne detection. Advantages of such a system comprise eye safe operation in an atmospheric transparent window, multifunctionality regarding possible applications, and high detection sensitivity. The application of our system that are currently demonstrated are the determination of range and velocity, and the recording of low frequency vibration spectra of targets. To improve the performance, some modifications have been introduced into the system at the beginning of 1990. A second acousto-optic modulator has been introduced into the system at the beginning of 1990. A second acousto optic modulator has been implemented for better optical isolation of the local oscillator beam. The procedures for aligning the optics of the set-up had not yet been reported before. As the optical modifications also imply alterations in alignment, this report also gives, a detailed manual for the optical alignment procedure. Some additional remarks are made on the cooling of the CO2 laser, the acousto optic modulator, and the HgCdTe detector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA245623
Entities
People
- H. Hebers
Organizations
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research