Performance metric for coherent active-imaging systems

Philip D. Henshaw; Norman R. Guivens Jr.

doi:10.1117/12.59231

1 June 1992 A performance metric for coherent active imaging systems

Philip D. Henshaw, Norman R. Guivens Jr.

Proceedings Volume 1633, Laser Radar VII: Advanced Technology for Applications; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.59231
Event: OE/LASE '92, 1992, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper describes a performance metric for the evaluation of active coherent imaging systems. This metric can be determined for any system using analytical considerations or measured using standard targets. It has implications for comparison of different imaging systems, optimization of imaging systems, and identification of areas in which significant improvements in particular systems can be realized. The imaging system performance metric described here is suitable for analysis of unconventional imaging systems in which the image is sensed by an array of discrete detectors or in which the image is produced by manipulation of arrays of data. The implications of this formula for determination of photon-efficient and optimized systems are discussed. An important result of this paper will be to show that the efficient use of photons is only part of the story. An efficient system must still be optimized to make best use of the imaging hardware.

Citation Download Citation

Philip D. Henshaw and Norman R. Guivens Jr. "A performance metric for coherent active imaging systems", Proc. SPIE 1633, Laser Radar VII: Advanced Technology for Applications, (1 June 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.59231

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