Accuracy analysis of radial velocity and distance measurement based on the Doppler effect

We present an accuracy analysis of noncontact measurement applied for the evaluation of radial velocity and distance of a moving object. The principle of velocity and distance measurement is based on the Doppler effect. Described here are the radial velocity and distance measurement principle, as well as the approach based on the Doppler effect. The accuracy of radial velocity, and distance identification of a moving object, directly depends on the stability of a laser or other radiation source. Measurement results can also be influenced by deviations of radiation source parameters and atmospheric factors. Accuracy analysis evaluation is based on probability estimation of random mistakes methodology. Evaluated are the impact of a laser or other radiation source and atmospheric parameters crosscorrelating on the accuracy of moving object radial velocity and the distance. (C) 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). [DOI: 10.1117/1.OE.51.1.013602]