Multi-element arrays for LADAR

Abstract

Remote optical sensing using laser radiation is being increasing deployed for both military and civilian applications. The technique, commonly known as LADAR or LIDAR, uses an optical range finder to determine relative displacement and velocity. LADAR can also be used to measure the environment, for example atmospheric turbulence or pollution. In addition, smart cameras are emerging, where a conventional 2-D image is supplemented with distance information to give a complete 3-D picture, with applications in autonomous vehicles and collision avoidance systems.