title: Acquisition algorithm for direct-detection ladars with Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes.
abstract: An optimal algorithm for detecting a target using a ladar system employing Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (GAPDs) is presented. The algorithm applies to any scenario where a ranging direct detection ladar is used to determine the presence of a target against a sky background within a specified range window. A complete statistical model of the detection process for GAPDs is presented, including GAPDs that are inactive for a fixed period of time each time they fire. The model is used to develop a constant false alarm rate detection algorithm that minimizes acquisition time. Numerical performance predictions, simulation results, and experimental results are presented.
authors.affiliation: MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Massachusetts 02420, USA. milstein@ll.mit.edu
authors.forename: Adam B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Milstein
authors.forename: Leaf A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Jane X
authors.initials: JX
authors.lastname: Luu
authors.forename: Eric L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Hines
authors.forename: Kenneth I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Schultz