The detection range for a blackbody point target is considered. An integrating photon detector is assumed, and the signal-to-noise ratio is expressed by use of photon-flux quantities. An equation for range, valid for the case of a background-limited photodetector, is formulated, and the solution to this equation is dependent on two parameters only: the extinction coefficient representing the atmospheric attenuation and one other parameter that includes other relevant system parameters in a simple way. This means that range as a function of different parameters can be conveniently summarized in one graph. Relations between different parameters are also discussed.

© 2000 Optical Society of America

[Optical Society of America ]

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