High-resolution optical rangefinder based on 2 GHz telecom transceiver

Abstract

The proposed work aims to realize a highperformances time of flight telemeter, for industrial and aerospace applications. The high-resolution is given by the radiofrequency modulation at about 2 GHz, the high measurement speed is obtained through a real-time embedded elaboration, while the global cost is kept low thanks to commercial telecommunication transceivers and synthesizers. The problems due to corner-cube reflector and light polarization are considered, together with a possible solution. The final performances are very encouraging, reaching a standard deviation of a few micrometers over the range of 20 meters.