A fundamental limitation in using an artificial source of illumination for night viewing is backscatter by the atmosphere. This paper explores that limitation. A mathematical model of an active night vision system is constructed, and formulas for the signal received from a target and the backscatter caused by the intervening atmosphere are derived. Signal-to-noise ratio is defined, and its use as a measure of system performance is discussed. Several hypothetical systems are defined and graphs of the signal-to-noise ratio as a function of range are presented.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Steingold et al. (1969) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: