Signal-to-noise-ratio equations for a heterodyne laser radar

Charles A. DiMarzio, Scott C. Lindberg
1992 Applied Optics  
We analyze the signal-to-noise-ratio equations for a heterodyne laser radar with identical transmit and receive optics. We defines the beam-profile efficiency, a quantity that must be maximized to optimize a system design. This calculation can be used to evaluate a system in both near and far fields for focused and nonfocused systems. The beam-profile efficiency can be evaluated in many ways, and we describe one possible solution. Using this solution, we present the results of an actual system evaluation.
doi:10.1364/ao.31.004240 pmid:20725408 fatcat:euwvltzymngw7h2j7jbl4e5xyu