Inventors:
Randal L. Schmitt - Tijeras NM, US
Tammy D. Henson - Albuquerque NM, US
Leslie J. Krumel - Cedar Crest NM, US
Assignee:
Sandia Corporation - Albuquerque NM
International Classification:
G01B 11/26, G01C 1/00
US Classification:
35613903, 356 301, 356 401, 35613901, 3561521
Abstract:
A method to determine the alignment of the transmitter and receiver fields of view of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. This method can be employed to determine the far-field intensity distribution of the transmitter beam, as well as the variations in transmitted laser beam pointing as a function of time, temperature, or other environmental variables that may affect the co-alignment of the LIDAR system components. In order to achieve proper alignment of the transmitter and receiver optical systems when a LIDAR system is being used in the field, this method employs a laser-beam-position-sensing detector as an integral part of the receiver optics of the LIDAR system.