Title :
Accuracy limitations of laser-based ranging techniques in robotic applications
Author :
Katzberg, Stephen J.
Author_Institution :
NASA Langley Res. Center, Hampton, VA, USA
Abstract :
Some general performance aspects of continuous wave (CW)-tone modulated and frequency-modulated-continuous wave (FM-CW) coherent laser radar systems are given. An analysis of each of these techniques that includes the effects of laser phase and amplitude noise on the ability of the systems to perform their ranging function is given. It is shown that the performance of these techniques is affected in different ways by inherent laser characteristics, and previously published comparisons of the two techniques should be modified to reflect this more realistic analysis. An overall survey of laser ranging is given to place the CW and FM-CW techniques into perspective
Keywords :
distance measurement; frequency modulation; measurement by laser beam; optical modulation; optical radar; robots; amplitude noise; continuous wave-tone modulation accuracy limitations; frequency-modulated-continuous wave coherent laser radar systems; inherent laser characteristics,; laser phase; laser-based ranging techniques; robotic applications; Fiber lasers; Laser noise; Laser radar; Lasers and electrooptics; Light emitting diodes; NASA; Performance analysis; Robot sensing systems; Robot vision systems; Stimulated emission;
Conference_Titel :
Southeastcon '90. Proceedings., IEEE
Conference_Location :
New Orleans, LA
DOI :
10.1109/SECON.1990.117893
