Table of Contents
Do you want to know the wavelength of a rangefinder?
Read this article to find out.
What is the Laser Wavelength of a Rangefinder?
A rangefinder has a wavelength of approximately 1.54 μm ± 0.02 μm.
Laser Rangefinder
A laser range finder (also called a laser telemeter) is a device used for measuring distances. It emits a narrow beam of light which reflects off objects and returns to the instrument.
Pulse
To prevent the rangefinders from being jammed, they may be encoded to reduce the chances that the rangefinders can be jammed. They may also be able to detect movement using Doppler effect techniques.
Precision
The accuracy of the instrument depends on the rise or decline time of the laser pulse, and the speed of the detector. A device using very sharp laser pulses and having a very fast detector can measure objects within a few millimeters.
Range and Range Error
Despite the fact that the laser beams are extremely narrow, they will eventually spread out over long distances because of the divergence of the laser beams.
And because of scintillation and “wandering” (bending) of the laser beams due to the presence of small amounts of gas molecules in the atmosphere acting as lenses.
Atmospheric Distortions
Atmospheric distortions combined with the divergence of the beam from its source and with lateral wind currents that cause air to be pushed sideways may combine to create difficulties for people trying to measure objects at greater than one kilometer away.
Applications
Military
A rangefinder provides an exact distance to objects located beyond the range of direct observation by a sniper or artilleryman. It can also be useful for military reconnaissance and engineering purposes.
Handheld Military Rangefinders
Range: Handheld military rangefinder operates from 2km to 25km and is combined with binoculars/monoculars.
Digital Magnetic Compass (DMC): A digital magnetic compass (DMC) combined with an inclinometer allows for the measurement of magnetic azimuth, elevation, and length of objects.
Target’s Speed: Some rangefinder devices can also determine a target’s speed relative to an observing person.
Transfer Measurement: Rangefinder measurements can be transferred to other devices using cables or wireless connections.
Night Vision: Some cameras also include the option to use an additional night vision module.
Batteries: Most handheld rangefinders use standard or rechargeable batteries.
Tripod Rangefinders
More powerful models of rangefinder measure distance up to 25 kilometers (about 15 miles) and are usually mounted on tripods or directly on vehicles or gun platforms.
For example, the rangefinding module is integrated with onboard thermals, night vision, and day time observations. The most advanced military range finders can be integrated with computer systems.
Laser Rangefinders
Military arms may have used lasers to blind soldiers’ night vision goggles by painting their vehicles with special paints that absorb the light from the lasers.
Regardless, sometimes an object doesn’t reflect light very well, and trying to use a rangefinder on it is difficult.
- The first commercially available laser rangefinder was the B&S Laser Range Finder (LF1), designed by Hughes Aircraft and released in 1965.
- This was then followed up by the Barr &: Stroud LF2, which incorporated the rangefinder into a turret sighting device for tanks, and this was used in the Chieftain tank in 1969, the first tank fitted with such a system.
Both systems used ruby lasers.
3-D modeling
LIDARScanner
A LIDAR scanner may be used to scan objects, structures, etc., to create a three-dimensional (3D) model.
The LIDAR uses a light source (lasers) to determine the distance to objects in front of it. It has two mirrors that rotate horizontally and vertically respectively.
3-D Object Recognition
Lasers are used extensively in three-dimensional (3-D) object recognition, 3-D object modeling, and a wide array of computing-related fields.
Time-of-flight 3D scanners constitute the core of the so-call “time-of-flight” 3D scanner. They differ from the military ones described above by offering high precision scanning capabilities, with either single face or 360-degree scanning mode.
Algorithms
Multiple algorithms have been developed to combine the different types of information available for each individual part of an image into one complete 3-D model.
Computer Vision
A major advantage of using a 3D camera for measuring distances is that the camera doesn’t need to compare features between two images to calculate distance.
The depth resolution of laser rangefinders used in camera systems usually ranges from tens of micrometers to hundreds of micrometers.
Triangulation or refraction measurements can be used instead of the time of flight measurements for laser scanning.
Forestry
Laser rangefinder devices are used in forestry. They have anti-leaf filters which work with reflector systems.
A laser rangefinder with an anti-leaf filter is useful for measuring distances in forests. For example, when counting trees.
Sports
Laser rangefinders can be effectively used for various sports that require precise distances, such as shooting, hunting, and archers.
Manufacturers
Some of the most popular manufacturers include
- Caddytalk
- Opti-logic Corporation
- Bushnell
- Leupold
- LaserTechnology
- Trimble
- Leica
- Newcon Optik
- Op. Electronics
- Nikon
- Swarovski Optik
- Zeiss
Bushnell: Most Bushnell rangefinders include advanced features, including ARC (angle range compensaÂtion), multi-distance capability, slope, JOLTs (vibrate when the target has been locked), and pin-seeking.
ARC
You can calculate ARC by hand using the riflemen’s rule, but it is usually much easier if you use a rangefinder when you’re out shooting.
Golf
A golf range finder helps locate the distance to the flag when playing golf. But some features aren’t 100 percent legal for tournament golf.
Some hunters in the eastern United States don’t require a rangefinder, but many western hunters do because they shoot at greater distances and have more open space.
Industrial Production Processes
A key application for laser rangefinders is their ability to be used in automated stock management systems and production lines in the steel sector.
Laser Measuring Tools
Lasers are also useful for measuring distances in various fields including construction, renovation, and land surveying. They were first introduced by Leica in Germany in 1993.
If you want to measure something big like a room, you’d need someone else to hold the measuring device at the far end of the room and a clear line straight through the middle of the room for you to use.
A laser measuring device allows an individual to complete the task without having to look at the screen.
Laser measuring devices can usually be calibrated so they’re generally reliable for taking multiple readings.
Laser measuring tools usually include the ability to perform basic measurements, including the area or size of a space, as well as switching between imperial and metric units of measurement. They can be found at hardware stores and online marketplaces.
Price
Depending on the quality and application, laser rangefinder prices can vary greatly. High-quality military-grade rangefinder products need to be as accurate and long-range as possible.
Such devices can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. For civilian purposes, such as hunting or playing sports, they’re cheaper and easier to obtain than for military use.
Safety
Lasers used for consumer applications are usually classified as either Class 1 or Class 2 devices. They’re considered safe enough to be used by most people without special training.
Regardless of the type of device used, direct eye contact should never be made. Most lasers used by militaries exceed the maximum allowable level of radiation.
What is The Laser Wavelength Of A Rangefinder?
Conclusion
A range finder measures the distance between two successive points where the reflected light waves from an object reach their peak or trough.
Shorter wavelengths are more accurate than longer ones.
If you have any further questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
