Noncontact distance sensor using spatial signal processing

    Authors

    N. A. Riza;S. A. Reza

    Abstract

    To the best of our knowledge, proposed is the first distance-measurement sensor using direct spatial signal processing. The sensor is implemented using a laser beam engaged in target-dependent spatial beam processing using an electronically controlled variable focus lens (ECVFL). Specifically, the target-reflected beam is observed by an optical detector while electronically scanning the focal length of the ECVFL in the path of the laser beam. A received-beam minimum spatial size corresponds to a specific ECVFL focal length that in turn is used to compute the sensed target distance. Experiments have been conducted using a 633 mn He-Ne laser and a liquid ECVFL, giving target distance measurements from 6 to 109 cm with a < 1.7% sensor resolution. Various noncontact applications for the sensor include sensing of object measurement parameters of distance, motion displacement, three-dimensional structure, spatial profile, and levels. (c) 2009 Optical Society of America

    Journal Title

    Optics Letters

    Volume

    34

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2009

    Document Type

    Article

    First Page

    434

    Last Page

    436

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000264274000014

    ISSN

    0146-9592

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