Abstract: A laser rangefinder apparatus is provided which includes a laser transmitter for transmitting a coherent light pulse exhibiting one of two different wavelengths over an optical path to a target. The particular wavelength of the laser light pulse is selectable by the user between two different wavelengths. The transmitted light pulse is reflected from the target as a reflected pulse and travels back to the laser rangefinder over the same optical path. The reflected light pulse is provided to a laser receiver including a fiber optic interface which supplies the pulse to a fiber optic interface cable. The fiber optic interface cable supplies the reflected pulse to a wideband photodetector to form a single channel capable of sensing each of the two wavelengths. The single channel configuration of the rangefinder dramatically reduces the parts count of the rangefinder as compared with prior rangefinders.

Abstract: A laser rangefinder apparatus is provided which includes a laser transmitter for transmitting a coherent light pulse over an optical path to a target. The light pulse is reflected from the target as a reflected pulse and travels back to the laser rangefinder over the same optical path. The reflected light pulse is provided to a fiber optic interface module which supplies the pulse to a fiber optic interface cable. The fiber optic interface cable supplies the reflected pulse to a laser receiver. The laser receiver includes a signal processor which performs the distance to target calculation and displays the resultant distance to the user. The fiber optic interface module and fiber optic interface cable permit great flexibility in the placement of the laser receiver with respect to the laser transmitter of the rangefinder.