This text is designed to introduce engineers-in-training to the basic concepts and operation of 3D imaging LADAR systems. The book covers laser range equations; sources of noise in LADAR signals; LADAR waveforms; the effects of wavefront propagation on LADAR beams through optical systems and atmospheric turbulence; algorithms for detecting, ranging, and tracking targets; and comprehensive system simulation.

Computer code for accomplishing the many examples appearing throughout the text is provided. Exercises appear at the end of each chapter, allowing students to apply concepts studied throughout the text to fundamental problems encountered by LADAR engineers.

The field of 3D LADAR (LAser Detection And Ranging) is growing steadily with new advances in focal plane readout technology driving ever-faster image capture and readout capabilities. This text is designed to introduce engineers to the basic concepts and operation of 3D imaging LADAR systems. The book facilitates the instruction of junior and senior year student engineers as well as graduate students who have a background in statistics and linear systems through a single-term course in LADAR systems. The book begins with the laser range equation and follows with discussions of sources of noise in LADAR signals, LADAR waveforms, the effects of wavefront propagation on LADAR beams through optical systems and atmospheric turbulence, algorithms for detecting, ranging, and tracking targets, and finally, comprehensive system simulation.

This book also provides computer code for accomplishing the many examples appearing throughout the text. Exercises at the end of each chapter allow students to apply concepts studied throughout the text to fundamental problems encountered by LADAR engineers. The exercises closely follow the examples so that guidance is available for successfully solving these problems. Students in both academia and industry can use the book as part of a formal course or a self study to acquire a basic understanding of LADAR systems. The book relates how to simulate realistic LADAR data as well as how to process it to extract target-related information.

Many thanks are due to Karen Cain, who provided many of the illustrations found in Chapter 1. Thanks are also due to both Karen and Asher Cain, who aided in the initial editing of the text.