A light detection system duplicates the dynamic range of low intensity non-cooperative targets for high intensity cooperative targets. Both dynamic ranges of return light pulses are supported at the same time. In one embodiment, two beam splitters are used to reduce the intensity of reflected light that is received from high intensity sources to levels that can be accurately ranged. Ambiguity between the two paths is resolved by using an additional detector. Alternatively, one beam splitter is used to reduce the intensity of reflected light that is received from high intensity sources to levels that can be accurately ranged. The beam splitter system increases the effective dynamic range of the detection and ranging system passively without any need to reconfigure the system.