The following applies to distance measurement: The shorter the laser pulse, the more accurate the measurement.
Laser Components Canada has developed a hybrid pulsed laser diode with the currently shortest pulse duration in the world. In one second, the QuickSwitch® PLD generates up to 200,000 laser pulses with a typical duration of 2.5 ns. Depending on the operating voltage, it achieves an optical peak power of up to 89 watts.
The laser chip and switching electronics are integrated in a compact TO-56 housing. The hybrid design enables the shortest bond wires: a current path with low inductance can be achieved which is necessary for pulse lengths of less than 3 ns.
An additional ground pin that is independent of the signal and supply return, turns the entire housing into an effective Faraday cage that protects the QuickSwitch® PLD and its environment against electromagnetic interference.