Optics: measuring and testing – Range or remote distance finding – With photodetection
Patent
1983-04-04
1986-06-10
Buczinski, Stephen C.
Optics: measuring and testing
Range or remote distance finding
With photodetection
356 285, G01C 308, G01P 336
Patent
active
045940002
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus is provided for use in determining the distance and velocity of a distant object. The apparatus employs a low energy optical radiation source that emits identical external and internal radiation signals whose wavelengths are swept. The wavelength sweep is induced by varying the magnitude of an electrical input supplied to the optical radiation source. An external ranging system employs common optical means, including polarizing means, to direct the external signal towards a distant object, and to receive a portion of that signal which reflects off of the object. First optical heterodyne means are provided to mix the reflected external signal and a local oscillator signal derived from the external optical radiation signal, to produce an output signal. Means are provided to determine representative values of the frequency of that output signal. An internal processing system directs the internal signal into an optical delay means of a known length. Upon exiting the optical delay means, the delayed internal signal is received by a second optical heterodyne means and mixed therein with a local oscillator signal derived from the internal optical radiation signal. Means are provided to determine a representative value of the frequency of the output signal from the second optical heterodyne means. Additional means are provided to determine the central frequency of the external and internal optical radiation signals. Finally, processor means utilize the representative frequency values derived from the external ranging system and internal processing system, and the central frequency value, to calculate the distance and velocity of the distant object.
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Hulme, Collins, Constant, Pinson; "A CO.sub.2 Laser Rangefinder Using Hetrodyne Detection and Chirp Pulse Compression"; (1981) Opt. Quantum Electronics.
Falk Robert A.
Phillis Gary L.
Ball Corporation
Buczinski Stephen C.
Wallace Linda J.
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