title: Optical system design and integration of the Mars Observer Laser Altimeter.
abstract: The Mars Observer Laser Altimeter, developed for flight on the Mars Observer spacecraft payload in September 1992, is designed to measure the topography of the Martian surface over a 2-year period from a 400-km mapping orbit. A 40 mJ pulse diode-pumped laser together with a 0.5-m-diameter beryllium telescope and a silicon avalanche photodiode are the principal optical subassemblies of this active remote-sensing instrument. Optical design rationale and measured optical performances during assembly and integration are presented.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ramos-Izquierdo
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bufton
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hayes