The Advanced Ladar Signal Simulator (ALASS) is a comprehensive laser radar simulator that synthesizes ladar signals for complex three dimensional dynamic diffuse targets in the presence of a dynamic turbulent atmosphere. ALASS provides single realization random signals (speckle) or the associated mean signals (ensemble rough target average). ALASS is radiometrically correct, accurately models receiver diffraction and defocus for both coherent and direct detection transceivers with single or multi-element detectors, and generates signals with correct three dimensional speckle statistics. Signals are computed using the target plane formulism; for coherent detection this involves the calculation of the back propagated local oscillator (BPLO) while for direct detection the back propagated impulse response (BPIR) is used. ALASS's primary functions are to serve as a laser radar sensor design tool, data product generator for exploitation, and a decision aid for implementing system designs. This paper provides an overview of ALASS, describes its functionality, presents validation results, and displays example imagery.

Date Published: 17 April 2008
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 6950, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XIII, 69500L (17 April 2008); doi: 10.1117/12.798024

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6950:
Laser Radar Technology and Applications XIII
Monte D. Turner; Gary W. Kamerman, Editor(s)