Laser rangefinder

The precision of an instrument is correlated with the rise time,[1] divergence, and power of its laser pulse, as well as the quality of its optics and onboard digital signal processing.

These atmospheric distortions coupled with the divergence of the laser itself and with transverse winds that serve to push the atmospheric heat bubbles laterally may combine to make it difficult to get an accurate reading of the distance of an object, say, beneath some trees or behind bushes, or even over long distances of more than 1 km in open and unobscured desert terrain.

Some of the laser light might reflect off leaves or branches which are closer than the object, giving an early return and a reading which is too low.

Then substituting the values in the equation, In this equation, λ is the wavelength ⁠c/f⁠; Δφ is the part of the phase delay that does not fulfill π (that is, φ modulo π); N is the integer number of wave half-cycles of the round-trip and ΔN the remaining fractional part.

Some rangefinders have cable or wireless interfaces to enable them to transfer their measurement(s) data to other equipment like fire control computers.

The more powerful models of rangefinders measure distance up to 40 km and are normally installed either on a tripod or directly on a vehicle, ship, jet, helicopter or gun platform.

In the latter case the rangefinder module is integrated with on-board thermal, night vision and daytime observation equipment.

The first commercial laser rangefinder was the Barr & Stroud LF1, developed in association with Hughes Aircraft, which became available in 1965.

A number of algorithms have been developed to merge the range data retrieved from multiple angles of a single object to produce complete 3D models with as little error as possible.

Laser rangefinders may be effectively used in various sports that require precision distance measurement, such as golf, hunting, and archery.

Some of the more popular manufacturers are Caddytalk, Opti-logic Corporation, Bushnell, Leupold, LaserTechnology, Trimble, Leica, Newcon Optik, Op.

Many rangefinders from Bushnell come with advanced features, such as ARC (angle range compensation), multi-distance ability, slope, JOLT (Vibrate when the target is locked), and Pin-Seeking.

An important application is the use of laser rangefinder technology during the automation of stock management systems and production processes in steel industry.

Laser rangefinders are also used in several industries like construction, renovation and real estate as alternatives to tape measures, and was first introduced by Leica Geosystems in 1993 in France.

Laser measuring tools typically include the ability to produce some simple calculations, such as the area or volume of a room.