Nanosecond Laser Imaging

Selective imaging of objects in range is demonstrated using a giant pulse ruby laser illuminator synchronized with a high speed Kerr cell camera. Elimination of film exposure due to backscatter in a turbid atmosphere is accomplished. Analytic expressions for film exposure due to gated target returns and backscatter luminance are derived. Data obtained for exposures over a 300 meter clear atmospheric path and a 30 meter turbid atmospheric path, ???? 6.7 x 10-2 meter-1, agree with predicted results. The technique is a useful operational mode for short range pulsed laser imaging systems under adverseseeing conditions.