Laser Proximity Sensor for Fuel-air Explosive Bomb

Present study deals with design and development aspects of a diode laser proximity sensor based on principle of optical triangulation. This sensor incorporates a laser transmitter and an optical receiver. The beam divergence of laser transmitter and look angle of receiver are oriented in such a way that they intersect at a predetermined measuring segment. The sensor can be set to give signal output at predetermined distance from the target. Theoretical studies have been carried out to determine the minimum power required for transmitter with a trade-off between S/N ratio, aperture of receiver optics, reflectivity of target and range requirement. The scattered laser radiation from the target in this segment is utilised in deriving a signal output to detonate the bomb at a predetermined distance from the target. The laser proximity sensor has been developed for 3 ± 0.5 m operational range and has qualified various environmental tests and live fuel-air explosive bomb trials.