Fig. 2: Schematic setup for polarization-modulated SLR.
From: Space object identification via polarimetric satellite laser ranging
A satellite laser ranging (SLR) ground station emits polarized laser radiation (Tx) towards the satellite. The polarization is set with the polarization state generator (PSG). Retroreflector assemblies mounted to the satellite alter the polarization state of the retroreflected signal (Rx). These photons are gathered by the telescope, pass the polarization state analyzer (PSA), and are detected with a photon detector.
