An Improved Algorithm for Asynchronous Laser Transponders Technology

Asynchronous laser transponders algorithm is an emerging technology for high-precision laser ranging. This paper presents an improved algorithm based on the previous asynchronous laser transponders algorithm. The clock frequency deviation between the satellite and ground is taken into account, and two pairs of lasers are used to calculate the ranging result in the improved algorithm, thus getting a more accurate result. Besides, the improved algorithm can also calculate the time difference, clock frequency deviation between two terminals and the satellite movement radial velocity. We apply both the improved algorithm and previous algorithm to a laser ranging experiment to calculate the ranging result respectively and compare the ranging errors. According to the experimental results, compared with the previous algorithm, the improved algorithm can reduce ranging error, which verifies the accuracy and engineering feasibility of this algorithm.