Near-infrared laser range finder using kHz repetition rate

Josef Kölbl; Michael Fröschl; Adam Seedsman; Peter Sperber

doi:10.1117/12.800132

2 October 2008 Near-infrared laser range finder using kHz repetition rate

Josef Kölbl, Michael Fröschl, Adam Seedsman, Peter Sperber

Proceedings Volume 7115, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures V; 71150M (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800132
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2008, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Abstract

The paper deals with laser range finding (LRF) technology for tracking fast-moving objects with kHz laser repetition rates. The LRF is based on time-of-flight measurement, where a short emitting laser pulse is transmitted and its time-of-flight is accurately measured by the electronics with respect to the received impulse from a non-cooperative target. The emitted laser energy is in the near infrared wavelength region. The detector is based on a single-photon detection principle of a silicon Avalanche photodiode, operated in so-called Geiger mode. A solution was devised to utilise single photon detection even at strong daylight conditions. The LRF has been integrated in a robust and compact technology demonstrator, and has successfully ranged to rapidly-moving and accelerating small targets. A detailed mathematical model was developed to predict the ranging performance of the LRF for evolution of application-specific designs. The current technology allows ranging up to a maximum range of 1.5 km with ± 0.5 m accuracy against large stationary targets, as well as tracking of small targets of 75 mm diameter moving up to a range of 300 m with a speed resolution of ± 5 m/s. The LRF device uses a standard serial protocol for device communication and control, and operates at a temperature range from 0 °C - 55 °C.

Citation Download Citation

Josef Kölbl, Michael Fröschl, Adam Seedsman, and Peter Sperber "Near-infrared laser range finder using kHz repetition rate", Proc. SPIE 7115, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures V, 71150M (2 October 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800132

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