Glint responsive parametric amplified phase conjugate signal laser radar

A laser radar system in which a laser beam is used to illuminate a target region of interest. The density of the laser radiation at the target plane is low enough that the reflected energy from diffusing portions of the target is not detectable by the laser radar receiver. Target reflections from retroreflective portions of the target such as glint signal reflections are also not initially detectable by the radar however these reflections are of such greater signal strength that the radar system is arranged to respond to the glint signals after they are enhanced by optical processing which includes re-illumination of the target glint area by a phase conjugated and parametrically amplified enhancement of the original reflected glint signal. Plural uses and alternate arrangements of the invention are included.