Uncertainty Assessment of Optical Distance Measurements at Micrometer Level Accuracy for Long-Range Applications

We have developed a transportable distance meter based on a 1550-nm laser diode, that is, intensity modulated at 5 GHz. This fiber-based prototype is realized using telecommunication components that are reliable, largely available, and affordable. We have identified and quantified the different sources of error when measuring with this technique a distance between two positions of the same reflect...