High Quantum Efficiency Nd:YAG Photocathode

Phase I will develop an advanced photocathode for high quantum efficiency, photon-counting sensitivity of 1.06 microsecond, Nd:YAG laser pulses. As far as maximum ladar range is concerned the proposed photocathode is equivalent to an increase of a factor of 15 in laser power. The photocathode is called the High Quantum efficiency Photocathode (HiQ-PC) and is characterized by: (1) High Quantum Efficiency: about 75% at 1.06 micrometers; (2) High Sensivity: gain sufficient for single photon detection; (3) High Speed: sufficient to distingish 10 ns laser pulses with a pulse repetition frequency of .1 megahertz; (4) Multiple or Single Pixel Compatibility: single-pixel ladars or multiple-pixel focal planes; and (5) Room Temperature Operation. Military and commercial applications of the HIQ-PC are extensive: it can be used as the detector in a Nd:YAG laser radar system and it will substantially increase the range-performane of acquisition and tracking ladar. Other ladar applications include those where long-range or increased range is important.