Abstract

In a laser heterodyne radar system it is convenient to generate the necessary optical local oscillator beam by frequency translating a sample of the transmitter beam power. Of the several means for doing this, one that stands out for simplicity, stability, and efficiency is the Bragg cell. The Bragg cell generates an output beam at frequency f₀ − f_a from a transmitter beam at f₀. Unfortunately, it also provides some weaker outputs at h₀ + f_a, f₀, f₀ − 2f_a, etc. These first two weaker outputs can interfere with the acquisition of fine Doppler information in weak returns at zero range rate and at some other range rates.

© 1976 Optical Society of America