Novel optical distance sensor based on MSM technology

This paper describes a novel distance-sensor concept based on photodiodes in metal-semiconductor-metal technology (MSM). MSM photodiodes can be operated as electrooptical mixers functioning similar to the so-called photonic mixing device (PMD). This paper employs the correlation techniques previously used with the PMD to the MSM. First, experimental results obtained with the MSM inserted into the authors' standard laboratory setup are provided. Additionally, different configurations well suited for mixer operation of the MSM are pointed out. Throughout this paper, similarities between the PMD and MSM are pointed out, as well as key differences.