title: Signal-to-noise-ratio equations for a heterodyne laser radar.
abstract: We analyze the signal-to-noise-ratio equations for a heterodyne laser radar with identical transmit and receive optics. We defines the beam-profile efficiency, a quantity that must be maximized to optimize a system design. This calculation can be used to evaluate a system in both near and far fields for focused and nonfocused systems. The beam-profile efficiency can be evaluated in many ways, and we describe one possible solution. Using this solution, we present the results of an actual system evaluation.
authors: C A
authors: CA
authors: Dimarzio
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Lindberg