Per-pulse Energy Research Articles

Long-range laser illuminated imaging: analysis and experimental demonstrations

David DaytonApplied Technology Associates1900 Randolph SEAlbuquerque, New Mexico 87106E-mail: dayton@aptec.comSteve BrowneThe Optical Sciences Company1341 S. Sunkist Ave.Anaheim, California 92806John GonglewskiAir Force Research LaboratoryDirected Energy DirectorateKirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117Steve SandvenApplied Technology Associates1900 Randolph SEAlbuquerque, New Mexico 87106Joe GallegosBoeing North AmericaKirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117Mike ShilkoITT Advanced Engineering Division6400 Uptown Blvd.Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110Abstract. We demonstrate the utility of laser-illuminated imaging forhigh-resolution clandestine nighttime surveillance from a simulated air-borne platform at standoff ranges in excess of 20 km. In order to reducethe necessary per-pulse laser energy required for illumination at suchlong ranges, and to mitigate atmospheric turbulence effects on imageresolution, we have investigated a unique multiframe postprocessingtechnique. It is shown that in the presence of atmospheric turbulenceand coherent speckle effects, this approach can produce superior resultsto conventional scene flood illumination.