Optimization of Optical Receiver Parameters for Pulsed Laser-Tracking Systems

Theoretical analysis and optimization of an optoelectronic receiving chain in pulsed laser-tracking systems are presented. The optical receiver and electronics for analog signal processing measure the angle displacements between the optical axis of the receiver and the direction optical receiver-designated object based on current signals that are generated on the avalanche quadrant photodiode. Considering the minimum allowed angle measurement error, the optimal optical receiver aperture diameter, the optimal size of the avalanche quadrant photodiode, and the maximal range of such a system are estimated.