Laser Ranging Simulation Program (LRSP) is a computer program that predicts selected aspects of the performances of a laser altimeter or other laser ranging or remote-sensing systems and is especially applicable to a laser-based system used to map terrain from a distance of several kilometers. Designed to run in a more recent version (5 or higher) of the MATLAB programming language, LRSP exploits the numerical and graphical capabilities of MATLAB. LRSP generates a graphical user interface that includes a pop-up menu that prompts the user for the input of data that determine the performance of a laser ranging system. Examples of input data include duration and energy of the laser pulse, the laser wavelength, the width of the laser beam, and several parameters that characterize the transmitting and receiving optics, the receiving electronic circuitry, and the optical properties of the atmosphere and the terrain. When the input data have been entered, LRSP computes the signal-to-noise ratio as a function of range, signal and noise currents, and ranging and pointing errors.
This program was written by Sabino Piazzolla of USC and Hamid Hemmati and David Tratt of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-30549.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Laser Ranging Simulation Program
(reference NPO30549) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document presents the Laser Ranging Simulation Program (LRSP), developed by David M. Tratt, Hamid Hemmati, and Sabino Piazolla at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The LRSP is a simulation tool designed to characterize the performance of monostatic lidar (light detection and ranging) systems, which are crucial for applications such as altimetry and terrain mapping.
The introduction outlines the fundamental principles of the lidar ranging equation and discusses the significance of signal detection, including the impact of receiver noise. The document emphasizes the importance of understanding the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as it relates to system performance metrics like ranging and pointing accuracy. It also addresses the performance of both direct detection and coherent detection systems, presenting probabilities of false alarm and error rates for each.
The LRSP operates on a MATLAB 5 platform and features a menu-driven interface that allows users to input data related to the transmitter, receiver, and target. Users can specify various parameters, including the type of receiver (single detector or array), the nature of the electrical circuit, and amplifier characteristics. Once the data is entered, users can calculate the SNR across a range of interest, with results displayed graphically. The program also allows for real-time updates and comparisons of SNR under different operational conditions.
The motivation behind developing LRSP stems from JPL's efforts to create the LAMP (LAser MaPper) instrument, which is intended to facilitate safe landings of spacecraft on Mars and other celestial bodies. The need for a user-friendly software tool to assist in the design and calculations for this instrument was a driving factor in the program's creation.
The document also includes disclaimers regarding the use of trade names and the non-endorsement of specific products by the U.S. government. Overall, the LRSP represents a significant advancement in the field of laser technology, providing essential tools for researchers and engineers involved in space exploration and remote sensing.
