Abstract

A pulsed GaAs laser terrain profiler has been successfully tested and flown. Preliminary flight data indicate excellent resolution, with terrain features easily identifiable. Unique design features and typical flight results are given. The laser profiler is to be used as part of an airborne surveying package which will contain an inertial measurement unit and laser tracker to provide three-coordinate position information as well as base motion isolation and stabilization control for the profiler.

© 1978 Optical Society of America

Silicon vidicon system for measuring laser intensity profiles

W. Lee Smith, A. J. DeGroot, and M. J. Weber
Appl. Opt. 17(24) 3938-3944 (1978)

Surface profile measurement and angular deflection monitoring using a scanning laser beam: a noncontact method

F. M. Smolka and T. P. Caudell
Appl. Opt. 17(20) 3284-3289 (1978)

Pulsed CO₂ TEA laser rangefinder

M. J. Taylor, P. H. Davies, D. W. Brown, W. F. Woods, I. D. Bell, and C. J. Kennedy
Appl. Opt. 17(6) 885-889 (1978)

Thermal performance and limitations of silicon–substrate packaged GaAs laser arrays

R. A. Laff, L. D. Comerford, J. D. Crow, and M. J. Brady
Appl. Opt. 17(5) 778-784 (1978)

Profiling of hot surfaces by pulsed time-of-flight laser range finder techniques

Kari Määttä, Juha Kostamovaara, and Risto Myllylä
Appl. Opt. 32(27) 5334-5347 (1993)