Laser radar using a 1.55-um passively Q-switched microchip laser

Philippe Thony; Laurent R. Fulbert; Pascal Besesty; Bernard Ferrand

doi:10.1117/12.351391

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28 May 1999 Laser radar using a 1.55-μm passively Q-switched microchip laser

Philippe Thony; Laurent R. Fulbert; Pascal Besesty; Bernard Ferrand

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Proceedings Volume 3707, Laser Radar Technology and Applications IV; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.351391
Event: AeroSense '99, 1999, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

We investigate a laser range finder for obstacle detection in automotive field. This device is based on the use of an eye-safe pulsed microchip laser, emitting near 1.55 micrometer. The technology of solid-state microchip lasers is a good way to obtain a compact, reliable and low cost laser source. Passively Q-switched microchip lasers are of great interest for time of flight range finding: short pulse duration and high peak power have been obtained. A short pulse duration gives good precision and high peak power gives a long range of detection. The distance measurement is obtained with an ASIC chronometer which implements the time-of- flight technique. We also developed reception circuit for start and stop signals and data input/output. The ASIC chronometer is based on two complementary techniques: a clock counter for coarse measurement and multiple slopes generator for fine measurement.

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Philippe Thony, Laurent R. Fulbert, Pascal Besesty, and Bernard Ferrand "Laser radar using a 1.55-μm passively Q-switched microchip laser", Proc. SPIE 3707, Laser Radar Technology and Applications IV, (28 May 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.351391

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