Zoltan G Sztankay

Title: Zoltan G Sztankay: Innovator in Ladar Technology

Introduction

Zoltan G Sztankay is a notable inventor based in Rockville, MD (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of laser detection and ranging (ladar) technology. With a total of two patents to his name, Sztankay's work focuses on enhancing the capabilities of ladar systems.

Latest Patents

Sztankay's latest patents include a scannerless ladar architecture employing focal plane detector arrays. This innovative design utilizes a laser transmitter that is amplitude modulated with a chirp signal to illuminate an entire scene or field of view. The process involves a mixing mechanism in the received light path, utilizing an electro-optic light modulator positioned just in front of the focal plane detector array. The detector array captures and integrates the mixed light signal over a specified field of view. By recording numerous image frames periodically over the frequency modulation period, a Fourier transform is applied to establish the range to the target in each pixel. This method results in a three-dimensional image of objects within the field of view, achieving high range resolution without range ambiguities.

Another significant patent is related to high range resolution ladar. In this system, a chirp signal waveform is propagated as a divergent laser light waveform, with the reflected return collected and converted to a current proportional to power. An undelayed chirp signal is mixed with the return current and low pass filtered to recover a mixed intermediate frequency signal that is proportional to the target range. The light circuit is periodically interrupted, and the chirp signal is processed without a target return current, allowing for the storage of the self-clutter signal. This stored signal is then subtracted from the mixed signal on a chirp-by-chirp basis to cancel out the self-clutter produced by the mixer. The resulting signal is frequency analyzed to determine the target range.

Career Highlights

Zoltan G Sztankay works for the US Government as represented by the Secretary of the Army. His role involves advancing technologies that enhance military capabilities, particularly in the area of laser detection and ranging systems.

Collaborations

Sztankay has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Barry Lee Stann and William Charles Ruff. Their combined expertise contributes to the innovative advancements in ladar technology.

Conclusion

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