Target azimuth estimation by means of optical detector arrays
Abstract
The estimation of a target azimuth by means of arrays of optical detectors is investigated. A maximum likelihood algorithm of estimation is developed, and simpler suboptimum algorithms are described. The performance of the maximum likelihood estimator is analyzed. It is shown that for a small detector beamwidth, the array accuracy becomes an oscillating function of the target azimuth. The minimum accuracy depends on the detector beamwidth and on N, the number of detectors in the array. The larger N, the larger the mimimum accuracy; with a given N, the optimum beamwidth which provides maximum accuracy can be found. The optimum beamwidth implies 100% overlapping of the detector beams, i.e., the semiangle of detector sensitivity should equal the angular separation of the detectors.
- Publication:
-
Optical and Quantum Electronics
- Pub Date:
- September 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981OptQE..13..421K
- Keywords:
-
- Air Navigation;
- Antenna Arrays;
- Missile Control;
- Optical Communication;
- Photometers;
- Target Acquisition;
- Algorithms;
- Angular Resolution;
- Background Noise;
- Light Beams;
- Maximum Likelihood Estimates;
- Optical Data Processing;
- Performance Prediction;
- Communications and Radar