Abstract
Using ultra-high repetition rate lasers (≥ 100 kHz) is one of the most promising strategies for the next generation of satellite laser ranging (SLR) systems. We present successful 1 MHz repetition rate SLR to targets up to inclined geosynchronous orbits at nighttime. Among those, a maximum return rate of up to 53% was achieved, equivalent to 265 k returns per second for the satellite Swarm-B. In addition, daytime megahertz (MHz) SLR was realized by utilizing a propagated MHz range gate to reduce the massive background noise. In the future, MHz SLR will greatly improve current technology with respect to data amount and data precision, shorter acquisition time, target signature detection, and attitude determination.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 937-940 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Optics Letters |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2021 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics