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Coherent laser radar apparatus and radar/optical communication system

  • US 6,580,497 B1
  • Filed: 05/26/2000
  • Issued: 06/17/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/28/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A coherent laser radar apparatus comprising:

  • as an optical component, a CW laser oscillating a laser radiation having a single wavelength;

    a dividing means for dividing laser radiation derived from said CW laser;

    an optical modulator for modulating one of said laser radiation divided by said dividing means;

    an optical antenna for projecting said modulated laser radiation as transmitted radiation toward a target, and also for receiving scattered radiation from the target as received radiation;

    combining means for combining the other of said laser radiation divided by said dividing means as local radiation with said received radiation; and

    a photodetector for optical-heterodyne-detecting said combined radiation and outputting a beat signal between said received radiation and said local radiation; and

    also comprising;

    as an electric component, a pseudo-random modulation signal generator for supplying a pseudo-random modulation signal to said optical modulator;

    a variable delay device for time-delaying a portion of the pseudo-random modulation signal generated from said pseudo-random modulation signal generator;

    a correlating device for multiplying the output signal of said photodetector by the pseudo-random modulation signal, time-delayed by said variable delay device; and

    signal processing means for acquiring physical information such as a distance of said target and a velocity of said target based upon a intensity and a frequency of the output signal from said correlating device, and also the delay time set by said variable delay device;

    wherein;

    an optical path between said optical components is constituted by an optical fiber.

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