How does the LC measure?
The LC measures using the concept of triangulation. A laser diode shines a beam of light at the target. The light will diffuse off of the surface back toward the LC. This returning light is focused onto a Position Sensitive Device (PSD). The PSD measures the target distance by calculating the center of the returning spot. If the target moves away from the sensor, the returning spot will move toward one end of the PSD. If the target moves toward the sensor, the returning spot will move toward the other end of the PSD. The position of the spot is proportional to the distance to the target.
