Laser rangefinders

The review covers both the principles of laser rangefinders and some of their many applications. Descriptions are given of the various types of laser sources used in rangefinders, followed by sections on atmospheric propagation, target effects and receivers. Some of the applications covered are: rangefinders for military use based upon ruby, neodymium and holmium; lunar and satellite ranging systems; instruments for measuring cloud-base heights and sea-depths; surveying instruments based upon semiconductor lasers; applications of CO2 lasers using direct or heterodyne detection; aerosol pollution lidars, etc.