Free Space Optical Systems Engineering Basics: Design and Analysis

This book reviews the basic principles of free space optics as they relate to communication, remove sensing, and laser systems such as LIDAR/LADAR systems. The text begins with a basic overview of the mathematical fundamentals necessary to understand optical engineering. After discussing the basics, the author focuses on key aspects of optical communications, remote sensing and laser systems. The text discusses first-order lens design, radiometry, optical propagation, optical sources and models, SNR and link budget analyses, free space optical communications theory, LADAR/LIDAR, optical image detection and estimation theory.