Title

Noncontact Distance Sensor Using Spatial Signal Processing

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 nm 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. © 2009 Optical Society of America.

Publication Date

2-15-2009

Publication Title

Optics Letters

Volume

34

Issue

4

Number of Pages

434-436

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.34.000434

Socpus ID

60249086294 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/60249086294

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