Range-finding method and apparatus

Abstract

Range-finding apparatus comprises a source of pulsed radiation of variable repetition rate and a beam-splitter for dividing the pulsed radiation into two portions which are directed respectively to a local retro-reflector and to a retro-reflector co-located with a remote target the range of which is to be determined. The source, beam-splitter and retro-reflectors are arranged in the form of Michelson interferometer together with a detector. The repetition rate of the source is tuned to frequencies f such that round-trip distance to the remote target is mc/f where m is an integer, this condition being detected by observing a heterodyne signal at the detector. Two such frequencies enable range to be determined. The precision with which range is determined may be increased by carrying out interferometry using the two portions. The accuracy of the method does not depend on absolute range (as with triangulation) and is not limited by the speed of timing electronics, as is the case for time-of-flight techniques.