Three-dimensional object construction using a self-mixing type scanning laser range finder

A self-mixing type scanning range finder has been designed for the acquisition of three-dimensional (3-D) image data and object construction. The optical beam backscattered by a rough target into the laser diode cavity causes strong variations of the optical output power, the pseudo period between two of these variations corresponding to a distance of a half wavelength. With such a device, images have been obtained with a resolution of 0.1% over ranges up to 3 m, for 3-D object construction.