Infrared Coherent Radar

This paper describes the experimental high power coherent 10.6 µm radar located at the Lincoln Laboratory Firepond Facility. The radar utilizes a 48" telescope for the transmission and reception of signals which are processed to perform the automatic angle and frequency tracking functions. The transmitted energy is derived from a closed cycle electron beam excited discharge laser final amplifier equipped with a rotating ZnSe high power output window. A high power multiple rotating disc system performs the pulse forming and receive transmit duplexing functions. The transmit optical path consists of liquid cooled high power metal mirrors to minimize optical distortion due to heating effects. The radar is capable of tracking both enhanced and unenhanced targets in low and medium altitude earth orbit.