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Abstract

An optical radar operating in the infrared region of the spectrum and adad to efficiently detect elongated targets such as wires. The pulsed transmitter is preferably passively Q-switched and produces optical pulses polarized in one direction. A CW local oscillator laser is locked to a frequency slightly offset from the transmitter frequency. A Brewster angle duplexer and a quarter wave plate in the transmit/receive path of the radar permit the transmitter flux to pass to a scanner and direct the orthogonally polarized echo signals to the heterodyne receiver which includes a display or alarm circuit. The transmitter and local oscillator lasers include frequency control circuits. Either wedge or ball joint type scanners may be used to scan the radar beam over a target area of interest.

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First Claim