Laser Time of Flight Optical Sensors
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Laser Time of Flight (ToF) Optical Sensors are devices that measure the distance to an object by calculating the time it takes for a laser pulse to travel to the object and back to the sensor. These sensors are capable of providing precise distance measurements by utilizing the speed of light as a constant reference.
Working Principle
Laser ToF Optical Sensors operate by emitting a laser pulse towards a target object. The sensor then detects the reflected light from the object and measures the time delay between the emission and reception of the pulse. This time delay is directly proportional to the distance between the sensor and the object. The fundamental equation used in this process is:
latex
d = \frac{c \Delta T}{2}
where ( d ) is the distance, ( c ) is the speed of light, and ( \Delta T ) is the time delay. This method is useful because it provides accurate and non-contact distance measurements, making it ideal for various applications where precision is crucial.
Applications
Laser ToF Optical Sensors are widely used in applications such as autonomous vehicles, where they help in obstacle detection and navigation by providing real-time distance measurements. They are also employed in industrial automation for precise positioning and measurement tasks. Additionally, these sensors are used in consumer electronics for gesture recognition and in robotics for environment mapping and object detection.
Advantages over other Time of Flight Optical Sensors
Laser ToF Optical Sensors offer several advantages over other types of ToF sensors. They typically provide higher accuracy and resolution due to the coherent nature of laser light. This makes them suitable for applications requiring precise measurements. Furthermore, laser-based systems can operate over longer distances compared to LED-based ToF sensors, which are limited by the lower intensity of emitted light.
Limitations
One limitation of Laser ToF Optical Sensors is their sensitivity to environmental conditions such as ambient light and reflective surfaces, which can affect measurement accuracy. Additionally, these sensors may have higher initial costs compared to other ToF technologies due to the complexity of laser components.
Considerations
When considering Laser ToF Optical Sensors, it is important to evaluate factors such as initial costs, which can be higher due to the use of laser technology. Operating expenses may also be influenced by the need for regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Durability is generally high, but the sensors may require protection from harsh environmental conditions to prevent damage. Accuracy is a key advantage, but it can be affected by factors like ambient light interference. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be considered, as laser components may require periodic servicing or replacement to ensure optimal performance.
from SICK
Your Benefits. Solve your safety applications simply and efficiently – with the safe 3D environment perception. Use the precise 3D measurement data for automation tasks, e.g., contour-based navigation for your mobile vehicles. Benefit from the user-friendly configuration, commissioning and... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Time of Flight Technique: Pulsed
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 122
- Laser Safety: Class I
from ifm efector inc.
Reliable volume determination for storage and conveyor technology. Non-contact dimensioning of rectangular objects such as cardboard packages or parcels. Reliable measurement of height, width and length to calculate strap length and volume. Reliable detection of size, orientation and position of the... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 122
- Measurement Range: 11.81 to 394
from RIFTEK EUROPE Sp. z.o.o.
Laser Doppler Interferometry. Industrial application in metallurgy, cable production, textile fabrics. The sensors are intended for contactless measurement of speed and length of moving surfaces and objects, for example, wires, strips, tubes, fibers, films, paper, hot steel, vehicles. The Series... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Laser Safety: Class 3R; Class 3B
- Operating Temperature: 59 to 122
- Output: Voltage; Frequency
from Micro-Epsilon Group
The optoNCDT ILR104x laser distance sensors are designed for industrial distance measurements. These sensors achieve measuring ranges up to 10 meters without reflector film, 60 and 150 meters with reflector film. They feature a high protection class and resistance to ambient light. Due to their... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Resolution: 1
- Measurement Range: 0.0012 to 394
- Sampling Frequency: 0.3330
from Hypersen Technologies Co., Ltd.
This sensor is a Time-of-Flight ranging sensor that can measure the distance between the sensor and the targets.There are totally 13 models with the maximum measuring range of 40m. It can be used for parking lot vacancy detection,obstace avoidance for drones, autonomous mobile robots and AGV,... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 131
from ifm efector inc.
Reliable volume determination for storage and conveyor technology. Non-contact dimensioning of rectangular objects such as cardboard packages or parcels. Reliable measurement of height, width and length to calculate strap length and volume. Reliable detection of size, orientation and position of the... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 122
- Measurement Range: 11.81 to 315
from Micro-Epsilon Group
The optoNCDT ILR1171 is a laser-based distance sensor for non-contact and precise distance and displacement measurements from 0.2 m up to 125 m. The measuring range can be extended to 270 m with a reflector film. The sensor is designed for very large measuring ranges, with and without reflector. Due... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Resolution: 1
- Measurement Range: 7.87 to 10630
- Sampling Frequency: 40
from Hypersen Technologies Co., Ltd.
This sensor is a Time-of-Flight ranging sensor that can measure the distance between the sensor and the targets.There are totally 13 models with the maximum measuring range of 40m. It can be used for parking lot vacancy detection,obstace avoidance for drones, autonomous mobile robots and AGV,... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 131
from ifm efector inc.
Reliable 3D detection of scenes and objects. Suited for use in mobile machines. Reliable distance measurement due to time-of-flight measurement. With integrated 2D camera and overlay function. Indication of warnings and obstacles in the live view. From May 1st 2025, products produced in EU and... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 185
from Micro-Epsilon Group
With the optoNCDT ILR3800, Micro-Epsilon presents a new powerful laser distance sensor. The sensor is designed for operation with or without reflector film, which is used depending on the distance and ambient conditions. The sensor measures large distances up to 100 m without contact and provides... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Resolution: 0.1000
- Measurement Range: 1.97 to 5906
- Sampling Frequency: 0.0200
from Hypersen Technologies Co., Ltd.
This sensor is a Time-of-Flight ranging sensor that can measure the distance between the sensor and the targets.There are totally 13 models with the maximum measuring range of 40m. It can be used for parking lot vacancy detection,obstace avoidance for drones, autonomous mobile robots and AGV,... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Interface: Serial
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 131
from ifm efector inc.
Reliable 3D detection of scenes and objects. Suited for use in mobile machines. Reliable distance measurement due to time-of-flight measurement. With integrated 2D camera and overlay function. Indication of warnings and obstacles in the live view. From May 1st 2025, products produced in EU and... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 185
from Hypersen Technologies Co., Ltd.
This sensor is a Time-of-Flight ranging sensor that can measure the distance between the sensor and the targets.There are totally 13 models with the maximum measuring range of 40m. It can be used for parking lot vacancy detection,obstace avoidance for drones, autonomous mobile robots and AGV,... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 131
from Hypersen Technologies Co., Ltd.
This sensor is a Time-of-Flight ranging sensor that can measure the distance between the sensor and the targets.There are totally 13 models with the maximum measuring range of 40m. It can be used for parking lot vacancy detection,obstace avoidance for drones, autonomous mobile robots and AGV,... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 131
from Hypersen Technologies Co., Ltd.
This sensor is a Time-of-Flight ranging sensor that can measure the distance between the sensor and the targets.There are totally 13 models with the maximum measuring range of 40m. It can be used for parking lot vacancy detection,obstace avoidance for drones, autonomous mobile robots and AGV,... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Interface: Serial
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 131
from Hypersen Technologies Co., Ltd.
This sensor is a Time-of-Flight ranging sensor that can measure the distance between the sensor and the targets.There are totally 13 models with the maximum measuring range of 40m. It can be used for parking lot vacancy detection,obstace avoidance for drones, autonomous mobile robots and AGV,... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 131
from SensoPart
Sensor with large range for anticollision and positioning applications. High flexibility thanks to adjustable analogue characteristic (QA). 4 distance positions with 2 switching outputs, adjustable via window function. Q1/Q2 switchable to Q1/Q1 as antivalent outputs. Compact design for an easy... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Resolution: 1
- Measurement Range: 11.81 to 2756
- Operating Temperature: -22 to 140
from ifm electronic gmbh
Reliable volume determination for storage and conveyor technology. Non-contact dimensioning of rectangular objects such as cardboard packages or parcels. Reliable measurement of height, width and length to calculate strap length and volume. Reliable detection of size, orientation and position of the... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 122
- Measurement Range: 11.81 to 394
from ifm electronic gmbh
Reliable volume determination for storage and conveyor technology. Non-contact dimensioning of rectangular objects such as cardboard packages or parcels. Reliable measurement of height, width and length to calculate strap length and volume. Reliable detection of size, orientation and position of the... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 122
- Measurement Range: 11.81 to 315
from ifm electronic gmbh
Reliable volume determination for storage and conveyor technology. Non-contact dimensioning of rectangular objects such as cardboard packages or parcels. Reliable measurement of height, width and length to calculate strap length and volume. Reliable detection of size, orientation and position of the... [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 122
- Measurement Range: 11.81 to 315
from ifm electronic gmbh
3D sensor; image resolution 3D 176 x 132 Pixel; Angle of aperture 3D 60 x 45; (nominal value without lens distortion correction) °; DC; 24 V PNP/NPN; Connector [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: -22 to 122
- Measurement Range: 11.81 to 315
from ifm electronic gmbh
Reliable 3D detection of scenes and objects. Suited for use in mobile machines. Reliable distance measurement due to time-of-flight measurement. Compact and robust housing. Very long range up to 35 m [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 185
from ifm electronic gmbh
Reliable person and obstacle detection, optimised for off-highway applications. Integrated person and object detection, based on ifm deep learning. 2D/3D sensor fusion and plausibility check avoid false alarms. Robust functionality even in bright sunlight or twilight [See More]
- Source: Laser
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 167