Importance

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Abstract

An optical radar is disclosed in which fine vernier range and angular displacement accuracy is achieved by projecting a burst of coherent pulses so as to strobe a target passing through the field of view of the projection apparatus. The use of the pulse burst permits the most recent information to be utilized in obtaining the target track. Prior to projection, the pulses in the burst are sampled. The resulting signal is delayed by an amount corresponding to course range and is directed down one of a pair of oppositely directed delay lines. The signals returned from the target are detected by a sectorized receiver, with an electrical output signal from a detector in one of the sectors being applied to the other delay line in the corresponding pair, such that the signal corresponding to the returned pulse propagates in a direction opposite to that of the sampled signal corresponding to the transmitted pulse. The delay lines are tapped at various points corresponding to vernier range and each pair of taps is coupled to a device which ascertains the coincidence of counter-propagating pulses, thereby to establish the vernier range of the target from the projection apparatus. Angular displacement from boresight is measured as a function of the sector occupied by the target, with the number of pairs of oppositely directed delay lines corresponding to the number of sectors in the receiving apparatus. In one embodiment, a waterfall type display is used which displays angular displacement versus vernier range such that an accurate target track may be obtained. The receiving apparatus may be provided with zoom optics so as to vary the vernier range and angular displacement scales.

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First Claim