Abstract

Coherent laser radars represent a true translation to the optical frequency band of conventional microwave radar concepts. Moreover, the emerging technology of compact CO₂ laser radars may be capable of resolving targets in any combination of the modalities of space, angle, range, and velocity. As a result, the development of laser radar system theory as an analytic tool for the design and performance evaluation of such systems must function on a variety of levels. In this paper, three of these levels will be reviewed.

© 1985 Optical Society of America