Wide‐range distance meter based on frequency modulation of an Nd:YAG laser

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Abstract
The paper presents a distance meter for noncontact measurement over extended ranges based on the frequency‐modulated continuous‐wave (FMCW) technique. A tunable diode‐pumped Nd:YAG laser is used to generate the chirp signal. The system has been characterized over a measurement range from 1 to 11 m. In accordance with the state of the art of the FMCW interferometry, the average measurement accuracy of the system is 10−4 of the measured distance. The behavior of the frequency modulator has been experimentally characterized. A suitable signal elaboration procedure has been implemented to compensate for the nonlinear behavior of the optical frequency modulator. © 1996 Society of Photo−Optical Instrumentation Engineers.