Montana Patent of the Month – January 2021
We often measure objects and structures that are distant. Measurements can be taken using techniques such as laser triangulation, conoscopic holography, and phase modulation range finding, which provide a range of accuracy. But many of the phase-sensitive detection techniques will suffer from far-field interference and speckle noise that cause range and precision limitations. Speckle noise is a big issue for distance measuring as it can happen quite often if a surface being measured is rough. As such, Bridger Photonics, Inc. has developed an apparatus for minimizing phase-noise and decreasing errors in distance measurement.
The innovative design for lowered phase noise interference involves the use of two different lasers and an optical frequency modulation that combines the two beams into one. The beams are then directed onto multiple paths and an optical detector. The detector produces an interference signal. They then compare the interference of each beam and determine the difference between the two. This way it is easier to recognize and take into account common distance measuring errors that happen when measuring rough surfaces. With this data, Bridger Photonics can then correct the signal phase to more accurately measure the distances object or surface.
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