Sea echo at laser wavelengths

Experimental data on sea echo at a 1.06-micron laser wavelength at normal incidence are discussed. The experimental data over a variety of sea states indicate that the return signal is definitely range-square dependent and that the effective target cross sections (σ⁰) are 0.15±0.08 and 0.24±0.12 for smooth and rough surface water conditions, respectively. Additional considerations concerning laser spot size at the ocean and its effect on signal returns are discussed.