Atmospheric effects on laser radar performance at 2 microns

摘要

The purpose of this paper is to describe the experimental setup and results of a series of tests designed to help to quantify the effects of various atmospheric conditions on 2 micron laser radar performance. Recent advances in 2 micron laser technology have made possible practical sources for use in coherent laser radar (CLR) applications. Eye safe operation and the potential for being diode pumped make such lasers very attractive. Additionally, there are significant differences in the response of the atmosphere and of targets between this wavelength and others such as the 10 micron radiation produced by CO$-2$/ gas lasers. In order to better understand the advantages, as well as the limitations, of this wavelength for CLR, data is needed to quantify these effects. For these tests, the CLR system was setup at the Table Mountain Test Facility outside of Boulder, Colorado. The 2 micron system was built and is operated for the Air Force Wright Laboratory Avionics Directorate by Coherent Technologies, Inc. This system uses a flashlamp pumped laser that produces 25 mj pulses at a 3 Hz rate. The system aperture is 10 cm. Several separate deployments were conducted during the summer and fall of 1991. A variety of data was taken against aerosol backscatter.