The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 11, 1989
Filed:
Nov. 03, 1986
Albert V Jelalian, Bedford, MA (US);
Wayne H Keene, South Natick, MA (US);
Nathan Freedman, West Newton, MA (US);
Raytheon Company, Lexington, MA (US);
Abstract
A laser is provided for generating a beam of continuous wave (CW) electromagnetic energy having a nominal frequency and amplitude. The frequency of the CW beam is modulated (FM) from the nominal frequency. The amplitude of the frequency modulated beam is modulated (AM) from the nominal amplitude to produce an amplitude and frequency modulated continuous wave (AM-FM CW) beam of energy. A local oscillator beam is produced from the frequency modulated CW beam. The AM-FM CW beam is directed for reflection by a target. The target-reflected return portions of the AM-FM CW beam are combined with the frequency modulated local oscillator beam to produce a beat frequency signal which is subsequently detected, the beat frequency signal having a frequency component representative of the range of the target. Such arrangement, when implemented in a radar system, provides such radar system with accurate target range measurements unambiguous over large ranges. Further, such AM-FM CW signal provides high resolution between target-reflected return signals of such AM-FM CW signal and returns from near-field atmospheric clutter.