Accuracy of three-dimensional remote target location using scanning holographic correlation

Three-dimensional (3D) targets can be simultaneously located and recognized in 3D space using two-dimensional scanning holographic correlation and Wig ner analysis of the correlation data. The accuracy of target location in th e presence of additive intensity noise is estimated from computer simulatio ns. It is shown that with a sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio, the ta rget can be located in the transverse plane as well as axially with an accu racy that can exceed considerably the resolution limit fixed by the numeric al aperture of the optics. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.