Precise comparison of experimental and theoretical SNRs in CO_2 laser heterodyne systems
- 1 December 1983
- journal article
- Published by Optica Publishing Group in Applied Optics
- Vol. 22 (23), 3787-3794
- https://doi.org/10.1364/ao.22.003787
Abstract
A detailed comparison of experimental and theoretical SNR in an IR laser heterodyne system has been made with three different signal analyzers. Good agreement, considerably better than a factor of 1.5, is reported. Accurate allowance was made for transmission in the receiver optics, the effective quantum efficiency of the detector due to shot noise domination by the local oscillator, and for coherent speckle effects across the collection aperture. The evaluation of SNR with a surface acoustic wave spectrum analyzer and digital integrator is described in some detail. As an illustration an absolute measurement of backscattering strength in the atmosphere from an airborne equipment at altitudes up to 13.1 km is provided.This publication has 22 references indexed in Scilit:
- Aerosol backscattering profiles at λ = 106 μmApplied Optics, 1982
- Characteristics of coherent lidar returns from calibration targets and aerosolsApplied Optics, 1981
- Aerosol Backscatter Coefficient Profiles Measured at 10.6μmJournal of Applied Meteorology, 1981
- Calibration of a cw infrared Doppler lidarApplied Optics, 1980
- Differential absorption lidar system sensitivity with heterodyne receptionApplied Optics, 1978
- The processing of digital signals by a surface acoustic wave spectrum analyserJournal of Physics E: Scientific Instruments, 1978
- Remote Measurement of Wind Speed by Laser Doppler SystemsApplied Optics, 1973
- Parametric Study of a 106-μ Laser RadarApplied Optics, 1972
- Noise Limitations in Solid State PhotodetectorsApplied Optics, 1967
- The antenna properties of optical heterodyne receiversProceedings of the IEEE, 1966