Laser Range-Gated (LRG) imagers provide high contrast images of targets at extended ranges because the laser light scattered by the intervening atmosphere is gated out. Atmospheric backscatter of the laser light does not degrade the contrast of LRG imagery. Natural illumination helps range performance by increasing overall target illumination. However, natural illumination of the intervening path degrades target to background contrast, and this hurts range performance. This paper provides a model for predicting the influence of natural illumination on LRG performance.
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