A laser range-finder has been designed for distances from 1 to 20 m with diffusing targets. The measurement principle using a frequency modulation continuous wave technique is first described. Improvement for short distance measurements is then proposed with a new set-up using a delay line and an avalanche photodiode working as an optoelectronic mixer used to obtain a wide-band and a low-noise photoreception.
['David Dupuy', 'M. Lescure']
Improvement of the FMCW laser range-finder by an APD working as an optoelectronic mixer