Long-range laser illuminated imaging: analysis and experimental demonstrations

We demonstrate the utility of laser-illuminated imaging for high-resolution clandestine nighttime surveillance from a simulated airborne platform at s tandoff ranges in excess of 20 km. In order to reduce the necessary per-pul se laser energy required for illumination at such long ranges, and to mitig ate atmospheric turbulence effects on image resolution, we have investigate d a unique multiframe postprocessing technique. It is shown that in the pre sence of atmospheric turbulence and coherent speckle effects, this approach can produce superior results to conventional scene flood illumination. (C) 2001 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.