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Lunar laser ranging based on a 100 Hz repetition frequency
Applied Optics
|February 24, 2022
Summary
High-repetition-rate lunar laser ranging (LLR) successfully detected all five corner-cube reflectors (CCRs) on the Moon. This advancement enables millimeter-precision measurements, overcoming signal overlap challenges with advanced target prediction.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Optical Engineering
- Astronomy
Background:
- Lunar laser ranging (LLR) is crucial for geodesy and fundamental physics.
- Previous LLR systems operated at lower repetition rates, limiting data acquisition.
- High-repetition-rate LLR offers enhanced detection capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility and challenges of high-repetition-rate LLR.
- To demonstrate the detection of all lunar corner-cube reflectors (CCRs) at 100 Hz.
- To analyze signal overlap and target prediction accuracy for 100 Hz LLR.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 100 Hz repetition rate pulse laser system for LLR.
- Performed theoretical analysis of frequency selection and signal overlap.
- Experimentally obtained detailed information, including CCR column numbers, from echo signals.
Main Results:
- Successfully acquired effective echo signals from all five lunar CCRs.
- Confirmed that existing target prediction accuracy meets 100 Hz LLR requirements.
- Demonstrated that detailed CCR information can be obtained, verifying echo signal origin.
Conclusions:
- High-repetition-rate LLR is a viable and significant advancement.
- The 100 Hz repetition rate LLR system effectively overcomes detection limitations.
- Future work will focus on achieving millimeter-level precision using resolved data for inner coincidence calculations.
