Optics: measuring and testing – Range or remote distance finding – With photodetection
Patent
1983-04-04
1986-09-16
Buczinski, Stephen C.
Optics: measuring and testing
Range or remote distance finding
With photodetection
356 285, G01C 308, G01P 336
Patent
active
046119124
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus is provided for use in optically determining distance and velocity relating to an object. The apparatus includes an optical radiation source that emits a first optical radiation signal of a modulating amplitude. The amplitude modulation of the first optical radiation signal is swept over a predetermined frequency range in a predetermined time period. Common optical components are employed to direct the first optical radiation signal towards the object, and to receive a portion of the first optical radiation signal that reflects off of the object. A portion of the first optical radiation signal is internally reflected by one of the common optical components to obtain a second optical radiation signal. An optical heterodyne detector optically mixes the received first and second optical radiation signals to produce an electrical output signal. The frequency of the electrical output signal is measured, and the frequency measurements are used to determine first and second frequency components. The first frequency component and the aforementioned predetermined frequency sweep time period are used to determine the distance of the object relative to the apparatus, and the second frequency component, which represents a Doppler shift, is employed to determine the velocity of the object.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3341708 (1967-09-01), Bilderback
patent: 3825340 (1974-07-01), Debart
patent: 3841755 (1974-10-01), Debart
patent: 4009385 (1976-03-01), Sell
patent: 4025194 (1977-05-01), Teppo
patent: 4101847 (1978-07-01), Albanese
patent: 4140060 (1979-02-01), Brenner
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Hulme, Collins, Constant, Pinson; "A CO.sub.2 Laser Rangefinder Using Heterodyne Detection and Chirp Pulse Compression"; Opt. Quantum Electronics (1981).
Falk Robert A.
Phillis Gary L.
Ball Corporation
Buczinski Stephen C.
Wallace Linda J.
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