A Novel Laser Radar Range,

The paper shows 1 far field measurement of the laser radar return are necessary 2the validity of scaling laws, atmospheric complications of long ranges and deducing far field properties from near field measurements, make other solutions suspect 3 the method of optically constructing the far field pattern can produce credible results independent of target properties. Using the optically constructed far field method, measurements can be made on a full scale target with flood lighting. Since the physical length of the range will be about fifty feet, the measurements can be made indoors in a controlled environment. This will eliminate problems caused by the atmosphere, weather and dust. Furthermore, such problems as acoustical vibrations, background and control of target motion are more easily controlled. The facility will be useful in test and development of laser radar systems and discrimination techniques. With a little imagination the facility could be useful in various other applications with only minor modification.