Abstract

Infrared heterodyne receivers have been shown to be viable and useful in CO₂ laser radar applications. Interaction with space based systems requires frequency response of the order of 2 GHz due to the large Spacecraft Doppler velocities. Current applications are space based wind measurements such as proposed for the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) program as well as CO₂ laser radar tracking systems (LOWKATER). Wide bandwidth receivers are required since it is not feasible to tune the CO₂ laser local oscillator as is done in conventional microwave radar systems. Here we present the results and applications for wide bandwidth MCT detectors developed using the planer mercury diffusion process.

© 1991 Optical Society of America