TARGET DETECTION SYSTEM UTILIZING MULTIPLE OPTICAL CRITERIA

摘要

A laser-based target detection system applicable to search and rescue operations takes into account a plurality of optical attributes in the energy delivered to, and received from, a target-containing area. In addition to analyzing the returned optical signature for sufficient energy reflected by a potential target at a primary laser wavelength, the system also senses the target's effect on a supplemental optical attribute. Only when sufficient amplitude at the primary wavelength is detected in conjunction with a substantial effect on the supplemental optical attribute is a valid target confirmed. The supplemental optical attribute can be amplitude at a wavelength other than the primary wavelength, with the system looking for a high degree of attenuation at the non-primary wavelength, or polarization, with the system preferably looking for change of orientation in the return optical signature. The system includes scan head chassis (102) for transmitting energy to a target-containing area, electronic chassis (104) for processing the received optical energy, laser pulse drive (106), and laser cooler (108).