Abstract

The subcentimeter precision global satellite laser ranging network has been established recently. In principle, the satellites are equipped by the retroreflectors and the ground laser stations consist of a picosecond laser, tracking telescope, the multi-photon or single photon detector and timing system. However, all laser transmitters, up to now, are operating between 350 to 1064 nanometers, far above the eye safety standards. There are two alternatives to develop an eye safe Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) station, either to keep the laser output beam power density well below the so called eye safety level or to operate the system within the eye safety window near 1540 nanometers.¹ When operating the SLR with the laser energy below the eye safety limit might be somewhat difficult to obtain a realistic return signal to noise ratio. On the other hand to operate the station within the eye safe window, the new technologies have to be developed: a powerful picosecond laser at the desired wavelength and the detector plus subsequent data processing.

© 1995 IEEE