Laser Rangefinder Receiver - Design and Manufacture Project

Our customer required a high-precision LRR that could accurately sense the returned pulse from the designator over a range of 100m to 10km. The challenge was to develop a unit that seamlessly integrated with the designator while providing accurate distance measurements based on pulse time of flight. Additionally, the LRR needed to be automatically co-aligned with the designator, ensuring accurate target acquisition and minimising setup time.
In close collaboration with the customer, Solsta designed a custom LRR unit that perfectly integrated with the laser designator. The LRR utilised polished surfaces as datum points for automatic co-alignment when attached to the designator. Solsta developed a stack of three bespoke lenses and a notch filter to focus the returned pulse onto an avalanche photodiode, accurately capturing the signal while minimising background noise. Through the development of electronics and firmware in partnership with PhotonSync, the LRR effectively captured and processed the pulse chain signal, calculating the time of flight and providing precise range measurements to the designated target.
Cost-Effective Outsourcing: Solsta was entrusted with the project management, design and production of the LRR, allowing them to allocate their internal design resources to the development of their core products. Solsta’s expertise in design, engineering and production, coupled with the customer's domain knowledge, resulted in a precision solution that enhanced the capabilities of their defence and security instruments.