Backscatter Limitations in Active Night-Vision Systems
ResearchPublished 1968
This study explores atmospheric backscatter as a fundamental limitation in using an artificial light source for night viewing. A mathematical model of an active night-vision system is constructed, and formulas are derived for the signal received from a target and the backscatter caused by the intervening atmosphere. Signal-to-noise ratio is defined, and its use as a measure of system performance is discussed. Several hypothetical systems are evaluated, and graphs of the signal-to-noise ratio as a function of range are presented. Additional graphs show the power that would be required by the systems to achieve a given signal-to-noise ratio as a function of range.
Topics
Document Details
- Copyright: RAND Corporation
- Availability: Available
- Year: 1968
- Print Format: Paperback
- Paperback Pages: 63
- Paperback Price: $23.00
- Document Number: RM-5442-PR
Citation
RAND Style Manual
Chicago Manual of Style
Steingold, H. and Ralph E. Strauch, Backscatter Limitations in Active Night-Vision Systems, RAND Corporation, RM-5442-PR, 1968. As of September 23, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM5442.html
Steingold, H. and Ralph E. Strauch, Backscatter Limitations in Active Night-Vision Systems. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1968. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM5442.html. Also available in print form.
This publication is part of the RAND research memorandum series. The research memorandum series, a product of RAND from 1948 to 1973, included working papers meant to report current results of RAND research to appropriate audiences.
This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.
RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.