Field Imaging Radar/Lidar Through Fourier Transform Heterodyne
Abstract
We present a detection process capable of directly imaging the transverse amplitude, phase, and Doppler shift of coherent electromagnetic fields. Based on coherent detection principles governing conventional heterodyned RADAR/LIDAR systems, Fourier Transform Heterodyne incorporates transverse spatial encoding of the reference local oscillator for image capture. Appropriate selection of spatial encoding functions allows image retrieval by way of classic Fourier manipulations. Of practical interest: (i) imaging may be accomplished with a single element detector/sensor requiring no additional scanning or moving components, (ii) as detection is governed by heterodyne principles, near quantum limited performance is achievable, (iii) a wide variety of appropriate spatial encoding functions exist that may be adaptively configured in real-time for applications requiring optimal detection, and (iv) the concept is general with the applicable electromagnetic spectrum encompassing the RF through optical.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA390323
Entities
People
- Amy E. Galbraith
- Andrew C. Grubler
- Bradly J. Cook
- Bryan E. Laubscher
- Nicholas L. Olivas
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory