Investigations on the laser radar cross section of optical components

Abstract

The laser radar cross section (LRCS) is a parameter for describing the reflective properties of targets, illuminated by laser light. As the role of lasers in remote sensing continues to grow in the automotive, or military fields, a proper measurement methodology for the laser radar cross section of various objects, especially in a laboratory environment, is crucial. In this contribution we performed preliminary investigations in a laboratory environment on the laser cross section of different optical components such as mirrors. The research focus hereby is put on the influence of various measurement parameters of the setup with respect to the measured LRCS. Such parameters are for example different angles of incidence, beam size and beam quality.