![[Open in a new window]](/common/img/icon/window.png){kind=icon}
1. Employing laser beam optical technology to measure distances
Laser beams are employed in numerous fields, such as medicine.
Laser beams offer a remarkable array of innovations, and they are employed in many different areas. These include the use of laser scalpels in medicine, laser beam machines in industry, and laser technology in audiovisual equipment such as CDs and DVDs. Some of us may even have seen laser beams used at concerts and other events as tools to dramatize performances. Laser beams literally travel at lightning speed—300,000 kilometers per second; the equivalent of seven and half times around the world in one second! Moreover, a laser beam is able to travel long distances and still hit its target as a small dot without dispersing. Laser rangefinders were developed by utilizing this special laser beam feature.
2. Increasing use among golfers
Distance to flagstick is quickly measured.(simulated image)
More and more golfers are using laser rangefinders to measure target distances on golf courses. Laser rangefinders help golfers develop their sense of distance by showing actual distances. Many golfers prize laser rangefinders as instruments that can help boost their game. Knowing exact distances under changing situations due to wind and a golf course's topography is not only a huge advantage for a golfer, but can help develop his or her golfing skills. Laser rangefinders can also measure both height differences and slope angles on golf courses, enabling golfers to more easily picture how best to play their shots.
Example of use on a golf course
3. Instant reading by processing incoming signals
A laser rangefinder measures a distance by projecting laser beams to a target and measuring the traveling time taken by the beams to be reflected off the target and returned to the instrument.
When taking a measurement, a laser rangefinder emits hundreds of laser beams in an approximate half-second period to boost measurement accuracy. This also improves accuracy, as a single laser beam can miss a target that is too small. Furthermore, when measuring the distance to a golf flagstick, a rangefinder may also receive incoming signals reflected off trees in the background, in addition to signals reflected off the flag itself. The rangefinder's Target Priority Switch System* overcomes this problem. If the user selects First Target Priority mode, the rangefinder displays the distance of the nearest point, in this case the flagstick, instead of the distance to the trees in the background. Nikon's laser rangefinders provide accurate measurements instantly and easily according to users' needs. This is why they have won praise from so many golfers.
- *Target Priority Switch System: users can choose one of two modes in cases where more than one object exists in front or behind the target and several distance signals are measured. The First Target Priority mode displays the range to the nearest target among multiple results obtained with a single trial, whereas the Distant Target Priority mode displays the range to the farthest target among multiple results obtained with a single emission.
How a laser rangefinder works
A laser rangefinder emits hundreds of laser beams in approx. 0.5 sec. to measure distances. The First Target Priority mode displays the range to the nearest flagstick instead of to the trees in the background.