3D Imaging Laser Radar

Level: Introductory Length: 7 hours Format: In-Person Lecture Intended Audience: Engineers, managers, scientists, and students who want to become familiar with basic principles and applications of 3D imaging laser radars or who want to be able to evaluate the performance of 3D laser radar systems. Description: This course will explain the basic principles of operation and the fundamental theoretical basis of 3D imaging laser radar systems. An analytical approach to evaluation of system performance will be presented. The design and applications of 3D imaging laser radars which employ staring arrays and flying spot scanned architectures; linear, Geiger mode and heterodyne detection; pulse, amplitude, frequency and hybrid modulation formats; and advanced system architectures will be discussed. Optimization strategies and trade space boundaries will be described. Major system components will be identified and effects of the limitations of current component performance will be identified. These limitations will form the basis of a discussion of current research objectives. Learning Outcomes: This course will enable you to: - identify the major elements of 3D imaging laser radar systems - list important applications of laser radar - estimate the effect of environmental factors on system performance and image quality - estimate the effect of improved component performance on overall system performance and image quality - formulate system level designs for common applications - compare the 3D imaging laser radar approaches for selected applications - identify test requirements and strategies for 3D imaging laser radar calibration and test Instructor(s): Gary Kamerman is the Chief Scientist at FastMetrix, Inc. He is a Fellow of the International Society for Optical Engineering, the author of "Laser Radar" in the Infrared and Electro-Optical Handbook, and the editor of the SPIE Milestone series Selected Papers on Laser Radar as well as more than 30 other volumes. He has designed, built and tested laser radars and coherent optical systems for over 30 years. He is a technical advisor to the United States Department of Defense, National Aviation and Space Administration, and major international corporations. Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing 2017 Course Held: 10 April 2017