Heterodyne and Nonheterodyne Laser Transceivers

摘要

The fundamental characteristics of heterodyne and nonheterodyne imaging laser radars are presented in terms of information content, structural complexity, and sensitivity limits. The sensitivity characteristics of heterodyne and nonheterodyne laser receivers are quantitatively compared. When feedback amplification or low noise multiplication gain is available in the receivers, the direct detection of laser signals can approach or even surpass the sensitivity or coherent detection. The concept of self-homodyne is introduced and its potential application to laser radar measurements is addressed. Keywords: Imaging laser radars; Heterodyne; Nonheterodyne; Reprints.