From my understanding of distance sensors, most of them typically rely on an emitted beam being reflected back to the sensor, which would work if the surface is perpendicular to the beam. However, if the target surface is at an angle, I imagine that emitted beams would simply reflect away from the sensor, and the sensor would not be able to measure any distance. I was wondering if some types of distance sensors are able to overcome this, and what makes them work for angled surfaces.
(For example, I see LiDAR being used to measure distances to many differently oriented surfaces, like entire forests, but I’m not sure how the emitted lasers are being reflected back and detected).
Thanks!
In: Physics
The other explanations are good. As an extra, this is why you can make stealth planes/boats that cannot be seen using radar. These vehicles are made of flat surfaces that basically act like a mirror and do not scatter the radar. As long as no surface of the vehicle is perfectly pointing back to the radar receiver, the vehicle is basically invisible. (There will be a slight radar traces from edges and imperfections).
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