Physical modelling of point-cloud (3D) and full-wave-form (4D) laser imaging

We compare results issued from a numerical model that simulates the point cloud obtained by 3D laser scanning of a scene and measurements provided by a commercial laser scanner. The model takes into account the temporal and transverse characteristics of the laser pulse, the propagation through turbulent and scattering atmosphere, the interaction with the objects of the scene (which have special optical properties: BRDF...) and the characteristics of the opto-electric detection system. The model derives 4D laser imaging information as temporal laser backscattered intensity (full wave form) is considered here. Experiments and simulations are performed on targets and scenes in order to test the performances of such imager under conditions that could be representative of future applications like Sense and Avoid, Target Recognition and Mapping,...