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Laser detector/light receiver — Parallax Forums

Laser detector/light receiver

fudstylfudstyl Posts: 1
edited 2005-10-28 23:27 in General Discussion
Hello:

I need a laser detector that will sense a laser beam of light from 0-600 feet. I currently have one that is off the shelf manufactured by RoboTooz, but it is not as accurate as I would like it to be. So like most of you I will build·one myself that suites my needs.

Now here is the question:

Does anyone know where to get the actual electronic component that will mount to the board to·'detect' the beam of light? 3mm x 3mm·would be nice!

Thankssmile.gif

Comments

  • SofalogicSofalogic Posts: 49
    edited 2005-10-08 15:26
    Now this is my idea of fun. I have a few questions about your project. But first a few statements. 600 feet is a hefty distance to detect a low power laser. Diffusion and defraction of the beam tend to weaken the power density of the beam. If you are talking a higher class of laser (other than a toy), this can be done.

    First, what is the wavlength of the light you want to detect? Second, What is the power of the beam itself. And lastly, What is the mode and size of the beam, Is this a semiconductor device generating the light?

    You may want to consider polarization of the beam. A fresnel lens at the receiver will help.

    Sofa
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2005-10-08 15:27
    A simple phototransistor or photodiode should work just fine if you merely want to detect the beam.· If it will be near ambient light, you simply shroud the device with a tube or some head shrink to limit ambient light falling on it.· That will force you to have to shine a beam into an aperture.

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    Parallax Tech Support
    csavage@parallax.com
  • japerjaper Posts: 105
    edited 2005-10-28 23:27
    hello
    yea the photoresistors are the way to go. that way you can use the varible resitance
    of the light on a bunch of RC type of circuits.
    the laser have an extremmely high light level over a long range. also the "aperture" or tubing your collecting the laser beam works even better with the light directed into a 90 degree angle that eliminates most ambient light

    lasers and photoresistors real cool

    japer
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