Hardware Description and Performance Capabilities of a Pulsed Kilowatt-Class Coherent CO2 Laser Radar Sensor
Abstract
A kilowatt-class pulsed carbon dioxide laser radar system was recently installed at the top of Mount Haleakala at the Maui Space Surveillance Site (MSSS). The monostatic shared-aperture system was integrated with an existing 0.6M Laser Beam Director (LBD) telescope and designed to use existing pointing and tracking capabilities at MSSS. The system has a dual Ladar/Lidar capability and currently represents the state-of-the-art (SOA) in both modes of operation. The key Ladar features include a real-time capability to provide precision tracking and high-resolution (range-Doppler and range-amplitude) imaging of orbiting targets at ranges of up to 1500km and at data collection rates of up to 30 Hz. A wavelength agile differential absorption Lidar (DIAL) capability at repetition rates of up to 30 Hz and associated (pre-programmed) wavelength selection from 9-11 micrometers within the 12C16O2 and 13C16O2 bands. The laser transmitter has a room temperature catalyst and can operate sealed-off with either of these gases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA390250
Entities
People
- F. Corbett
- G. Dryden
- M. Kovacs
- M. Riley
- V. Hasson