Integrated LADAR/FLIR sensor

摘要

A scene is observed with an object plane scanning FLIR (forward looking infrared) FLIR system with the detector array placed at one edge of the field of regard. A FLIR processor immediately commences analysis of the received FLIR signal for potential targets. Upon determination that a potential target exists, the FLIR processor causes the LADAR system to commence operation and directs the laser beam therefrom to the localized region where the potential target has been located. The system continues to receive the FLIR signals and causes these signal from the field of view to bypass the path of the reflected laser signals and pass directly to the FLIR detectors. The reflected laser signal returns through the optical system and is mixed with the beam from a local oscillator. The combined beam is then passed to the laser or LADAR detectors which operate in conjunction with a target classifier to classify the potential target being observed.