Method to determine and adjust the alignment of the transmitter and receiver fields of view of a LIDAR system

Patent · Tue Jun 20 04:00:00 EDT 2006

OSTI ID:908391

Schmitt, Randal L ^[1]; Henson, Tammy D ^[2]; Krumel, Leslie J ^[3]

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1. Tijeras, NM
2. Albuquerque, NM
3. Cedar Crest, NM

A method to determine the alignment of the transmitter and receiver fields of view of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. This method can be employed to determine the far-field intensity distribution of the transmitter beam, as well as the variations in transmitted laser beam pointing as a function of time, temperature, or other environmental variables that may affect the co-alignment of the LIDAR system components. In order to achieve proper alignment of the transmitter and receiver optical systems when a LIDAR system is being used in the field, this method employs a laser-beam-position-sensing detector as an integral part of the receiver optics of the LIDAR system.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM
• Sponsoring Organization: United States Department of Energy
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• Assignee: Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
• Patent Number(s): 7,064,817
• OSTI ID: 908391
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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