Laser rangefinders and vibrometers

The development of non-contact Laser Range Finders and Vibrometers operating on the triangulation principle is described and particular examples of the use of these devices are given. These include a miniature laser range finder for use in the 'WARRIOR' project for remote welding in reactors where the device operates at a stand-off of 90mm and measures ranges up to ± 25mm about this with an accuracy of better than 99%, vibrometers based on a Laser Range Finder which are capable of measuring distances over ± 20mm at a stand-off of 75mm with better than 99% accuracy and vibrations of μm amplitude over a frequency spectrum of 0-5 kHz for dynamic measurements in a pressure vessel operating at 27 bar and 650C and the use of laser stripe projection systems for surface contouring prior to robotically controlled welding. (author)