Differential optical-path approach to improve signal-to-noise ratio of pulsed-laser range finding

A pulsed-laser range finding based on differential optical-path is proposed, and the mathematical models are developed and verified. Based on the method, some simulations are carried out and important conclusions are deduced. (1) Background power is suppressed effectively. (2) Compared with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of traditional method, SNR of the proposed method is more suitable than traditional method in long-range finding and large tilt angle of target. (3) No matter what the tilt angle of target is, it always has optimal sensitivity of zero cross as long as the differential distance is equal to the light speed multiplied by the received pulse length and there is an overlap between two echoes. (C)2014 Optical Society of America