OPTICAL DELAY LINE TO CORRECT PHASE ERRORS IN COHERENT LADAR

摘要

A ladar system with phase correction. The novel ladar system includes optics for receiving a first signal that is a reflected version of a transmitted laser signal, an optical delay line for providing a second signal that is a delayed version of the transmitted laser signal, and a mechanism for mixing the first signal with the second signal. The second signal is delayed by a time TSUBD /SUBthat reduces a relative time difference between the first and second signals such that phase errors caused by laser transmitter instabilities and nonlinear modulation are less than a predetermined level.