Analysing The Dynamics Of Fast-Moving Objects Using A Pulsed Laser Diode

A new method is suggested for analysing the dynamics of fast-moving objects. The basic differences, compared with the optical rangefinders and radar equipment available, are the continuous measurement of the distance and the possibility of measuring the alteration in distance and of measuring the velocity and acceleration of the object continuously and simultaneously. The above mentioned characteristics are attained using the well-known time of flight method with an exceptionally high pulse repetition rate and with a new type of an analog time to amplitude converter (TAC). The velocity and acceleration voltages are formed by derivation from the continuous distance voltage in respect of time. Preliminary results with a simple prototype have proven the method to be highly usable in many applications, e.g. in sports training and printing technology.