Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Electronic Distance Measuring Instruments

Electronic Distance Measuring Instruments

Electronic Distance Measuring Instruments (EDMs) are essential tools in modern surveying, offering precise distance measurements by emitting electromagnetic signals and calculating the time required for these signals to travel to a target and return. Two primary types of signals are used in EDMs — light waves and microwaves — each suited to specific environmental and distance requirements. Light-wave-based EDMs utilize either infrared or laser light, providing high accuracy over short distances...

Distance Measurements by Taping

Distance Measurements by Taping

Tapes are essential in surveying for accurate, durable, and short-distance measurements. Made from lightweight, nylon-coated steel, they offer flexibility and strength for rugged outdoor use. The nylon coating protects against rust and wear, extending the tape's life. Standard lengths, around 30 meters, are marked in meters and millimeters for precision.Surveyors select tapes based on site conditions and accuracy needs. Lightweight, nylon-coated tapes are commonly used for ease of handling and...

Design Example: Measuring Distance Between Two Points with Obstructions

Design Example: Measuring Distance Between Two Points with Obstructions

When measuring distances in areas with physical obstructions, such as a lake in a field, surveyors must employ techniques to calculate accurate lengths without direct line measurements. One effective method is the offset technique, which allows for precise distance estimation over inaccessible stretches.In this scenario, a surveyor must measure a side of an area that crosses a lake. Since the measuring tape cannot span the lake, the surveyor begins by establishing a baseline that aligns with...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Measurement of the changes in air refractive index and distance by means of a two-color interferometer.

Applied optics·2010

Same author

Arm-length measurement of an interferometer using the optical-frequency-scanning technique.

Applied optics·2010

Same author

Quasimonochromatic white light fringe interferometer.

Applied optics·2010

Same author

Stabilization of multiwavelength infrared lasers.

Applied optics·2010

Same author

WWOX, the tumour suppressor gene affected in multiple cancers.

Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society·2009

Same author

Generation of self-pumped phase conjugation from the -c face of BaTiO3 with femtosecond pulses.

Applied optics·2008

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Characterizing Far-infrared Laser Emissions and the Measurement of Their Frequencies

Characterizing Far-infrared Laser Emissions and the Measurement of Their Frequencies

Published on: December 18, 2015

Distance meter utilizing the intermode beat of a He-Ne laser.

K Seta, T O'ishi

|June 18, 2010

Summary

A novel distance meter using He-Ne laser intermode beat achieved submillimeter precision for tunnel measurements. This laser-based instrument offers high resolution for geological strain monitoring.

Area of Science:

Geophysics
Optical Engineering
Metrology

Background:

Traditional distance measurement methods can be limited by environmental factors and precision.
Optical modulators are commonly used in distance meters, but alternative approaches are being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and evaluate a new distance meter utilizing the intermode beat of a Helium-Neon (He-Ne) laser.
To assess the performance and precision of this novel distance meter in a real-world tunnel environment.

Main Methods:

Construction of a distance meter based on the intermode beat frequency of a He-Ne laser.
Field testing of the distance meter in a 300-m tunnel, measuring distances from 10 to 1300 m.
Analysis of measurement uncertainty and resolution under stable atmospheric conditions.

More Related Videos

The Frequency Domain Thermoreflectance Technique for Thermal Property Measurements

The Frequency Domain Thermoreflectance Technique for Thermal Property Measurements

Published on: December 5, 2025

Low-cost Custom Fabrication and Mode-locked Operation of an All-normal-dispersion Femtosecond Fiber Laser for Multiphoton Microscopy

Low-cost Custom Fabrication and Mode-locked Operation of an All-normal-dispersion Femtosecond Fiber Laser for Multiphoton Microscopy

Published on: November 22, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Characterizing Far-infrared Laser Emissions and the Measurement of Their Frequencies

Characterizing Far-infrared Laser Emissions and the Measurement of Their Frequencies

Published on: December 18, 2015

The Frequency Domain Thermoreflectance Technique for Thermal Property Measurements

The Frequency Domain Thermoreflectance Technique for Thermal Property Measurements

Published on: December 5, 2025

Low-cost Custom Fabrication and Mode-locked Operation of an All-normal-dispersion Femtosecond Fiber Laser for Multiphoton Microscopy

Low-cost Custom Fabrication and Mode-locked Operation of an All-normal-dispersion Femtosecond Fiber Laser for Multiphoton Microscopy

Published on: November 22, 2019

Main Results:

The distance meter demonstrated a resolution of approximately 20 micrometers.
Total measurement uncertainty was found to be within 0.1 mm under stable air conditions.
The instrument successfully measured tunnel length and detected annual periodic strain with submillimeter precision.

Conclusions:

The He-Ne laser intermode beat offers a viable alternative to optical modulators for high-precision distance measurement.
The developed distance meter is suitable for precise geodetic monitoring, such as detecting tunnel strain.
Submillimeter precision achieved in tunnel measurements highlights the potential of this technology for infrastructure monitoring.