Carbon dioxide eyesafe laser rangefinders

Richard K. Powell; Barry N. Berdanier; James McKay

doi:10.1117/12.43854

1 April 1991 Carbon dioxide eyesafe laser rangefinders

Richard K. Powell, Barry N. Berdanier, James McKay

Proceedings Volume 1419, Eyesafe Lasers: Components, Systems, and Applications; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43854
Event: Optics, Electro-Optics, and Laser Applications in Science and Engineering, 1991, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Eyesafe military laser range finder systems that incorporate carbon dioxide lasers operating at 10.59 microns have been successfully developed and are currently in production for both the U.S. and foreign military services. The development of carbon dioxide laser rangefinders for Fire Control applications has provided high performance, eyesafe capability to both heavy combat vehicles and air defense platforms. The distinct wavelength compatibility provided by a long wavelength laser in conjunction with long wavelength Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) detection systems positions the CO2 laser range finder system as unique in the ability to provide ranging capability to FLIR recognizable targets and eye safety. First order modeling of expected performance versus system design parameters has provided a basis for understanding the key performance factors and their relationship to necessary design trade-offs. The successful implementation of the laser range finder design required the development of an array of CO2 laser system components that provide both the transmitted laser pulse and the ability to detect the target reflected return. A modular design approach to the CO2 laser system components has led to several successful programs that incorporate identical key technologies thereby reducing the overall cost of all CO2 laser range finder programs.

Citation Download Citation

Richard K. Powell, Barry N. Berdanier, and James McKay "Carbon dioxide eyesafe laser rangefinders", Proc. SPIE 1419, Eyesafe Lasers: Components, Systems, and Applications, (1 April 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43854

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