Integrated detector for laser remote sensors

Abstract

A remote laser sensor incorporating a single integrated detector. The laser sensor comprises a laser for transmitting laser energy that is applied to a target, and a beamsplitter for sampling of the transmitted laser energy. A telescope is provided for collecting laser energy reflected from the target. The integrated detector comprises an integrating sphere for receiving the sampled transmitted laser energy and for receiving the laser energy reflected from the target, and a detector coupled to the integrating sphere for selectively detecting the sampled transmitted laser energy and the laser energy reflected from the target. A scatter plate may be disposed inside the integrating sphere for preventing photons from entering the detector that result directly from a first scattering event within the sphere. In operation, the laser provides a transmit beam that is directed at the target and reflected energy from the target is collected by the telescope and focused onto the detector. Detector integration is accomplished by using a single detector chip mounted to a rear surface of the integrating sphere, which allows sampling of the entire cross-section of the laser transmit beam. The beamsplitter is employed to sample a portion of the transmit beam which is applied to the detector.