Satellite Laser Rangers' Range-Measurement Errors Due to the Refraction Properties of the Atmosphere in the Presence of Laser-Beam Phase Nonuniformity

摘要

The range-measurement error of laser rangers on satellite routes is estimated under the conditions of a real atmosphere. It is shown that simple shortening of the duration of probing laser pulses cannot yield considerable gain in precision, owing to the dispersion properties of the Earth's atmosphere. It is shown also that, for real satellite routes, the optimum duration of probing pulses is about 7 ps. In this case, the range measurement error due to phase nonuniformity of the laser beam is ～ 1 ps.