Range estimation algorithms comparison in simulated 3-D flash LADAR data

Range estimation algorithms have been applied to simulated 3-D flash laser radar data to test for accuracy and bias. Simulated data is modeled after hit mode performance of the Advanced Scientific Concepts 3-D flash laser radar camera. Hit mode is a mode of operation that stores buffered samples into memory only after a set number of photoelectrons have been observed by the detector. In hit mode, waveforms may not be centered within the range gate and may not contain the true peak of original waveform. Under these conditions traditional range estimation techniques could prove ineffective. A peak estimator, matched filter, and maximum likelihood estimator were tested for performance as waveforms shift position within the range gate. This paper suggests the best scenario for implementing each algorithm and shows the overall effectiveness of the matched filter when incorporated in the time domain. 1000 trials with noise were conducted for each waveform position and performance was judged based on mean square error and standard deviation of the range estimations.