Compact Imaging System With Ranging And Velocimetry

Abstract

We have constructed a radar imaging system for simultaneous ranging and velocimetry of multiple points in the field of view. Signals are generated in an array of laser diodes in a compact, self-aligning, backscatter-modulation geometry. We present a theoretical model for signal generation in backscatter-modulated laser diodes, and describe a laboratory implementation used for finding the orientation and rotation speed of a object. The imaging radar could be used to enhance a variety of robot vision technologies, including object recognition with movement discrimination.