Three-Dimensional Laser Radar Range Imagery of Complex Target With Rough Surfaces

Abstract

A backscattering model of the average signal power function (SPF) for laser radar 3D range imagery obtained using detector arrays for a complex target with rough surfaces is presented. The model relates the average power at the receiver to the laser pulse, target shape, optical scattering properties of the surface materials, angle of incidence, and other factors. The optical scattering properties of the material are characterized using the bidirectional reflectivity distribution function (BRDF). The effects of the pulse width on the resolution of the 3D range imagery are analyzed. The proposed model can be used to demonstrate 3D laser radar systems and can also be used to generate a library of model data sets for automatic target recognition (ATR) applications.