Laser rangefinder Laser rangefinder

Laser rangefinder

A laser rangefinder is a rangefinder which uses a laser beam to determine the distance to an object. The most common method of distance measurement is the time-of-flight (TOF) principle, which measures the time it takes for a laser pulse sent towards an object to return to the sender.

 

Pulsed laser diodes and detectors (PIN-PD, APD, MPPC) from Hamamatsu have been used in laser rangefinders.

Parameter MPPC® APD PIN photodiode
Range Long Middle Short
Accuracy High High High
Readout circuit Simple Complex Complex
Operation voltage Up to several tens of V 100 to 200 V Up to 10 V
Gain 105 10 to 100 1
Temperature sensitivity Middle High Low
Response time Fast Medium Medium
Ambient light immunity Medium Medium High
Array Suitable Suitable Suitable
Gap Narrow Wide Wide
Uniformity Good Depends on the size Good

Recommended products

s13773

Basic detectors for rangefinders, photodiodes are suitable for short range measurement under high ambient light conditions. Their lower cost and lower voltage operation are advantageous for rangefinders. The S13773 is sensitive from the visible region to 1100 nm, and has a high-speed response of 500 MHz. Its JEDEC level is 2a.

The Si APD S14645-02 features a φ0.2 mm active area, offering high sensitivity and fast response, ideal for applications like LIDAR, optical communication, and laser rangefinding that require efficient light collection and precision in low-light conditions.

 

Primary Benefit: Longer cutoff wavelength and higher peak QE%.

The Si APD S14644-02, with its φ0.2 mm active area, provides high sensitivity and fast response in a more compact form, making it perfect for space-constrained applications such as automotive LIDAR and handheld rangefinders.

 

Primary Benefit: Higher bandwidth.

The MPPC S15639-1325PS delivers high photon detection efficiency and low dark counts, making it ideal for applications requiring precise photon arrival timing, such as long distance range finding. Its compact design and high sensitivity to low light levels ensure reliable performance in demanding environments.

The PLD L11854-323-51 is designed for applications requiring high peak power and short pulse durations, such as rangefinding, LiDAR, and time-of-flight measurements. Its optimized 905 nm wavelength ensures eye-safe operation in various environmental conditions, while its high reliability and durability make it a dependable light source choice for precision measurements.

 

Primary benefit: High peak power and short pulses for demanding applications like LiDAR and rangefinding.

The PLD L11854-307-05 offers slightly lower peak power performance with smaller emission area of 70 x 10 um. This light source is ideal for short-range measurements and optical sensing, offering a balance of performance and efficiency in compact systems.

 

Primary benefit: Lower peak power, smaller emission area for 905 nm short-range sensing systems.

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