Vinkelsignal

Vinkelsignal, also known as corner reflector, is a type of retroreflector used for laser ranging and related applications. It is a retroreflector that uses two mirrors arranged in the shape of an angle or corner to reflect light back towards its source.

The vinkelsignal is typically made of two equilateral triangles with a smaller angle and apexes joined together to form the corner. The reflective coating is applied to the surfaces that the laser beams hit, ensuring that most of the light reflected back is directed back towards the source. This is achieved through the principle of total internal reflection.

The corner reflector design has several advantages, including its low weight, compact, and portable size. It is also capable of tracking light pulses with a very small error margin. The reflector's high efficiency and low loss make it an essential tool for various applications, including scientific research, particularly geophysical surveys and environmental studies.

In the context of scientific research, vinkelsignal or corner reflector arrays have been used in several applications, such as terrestrial laser scanning. The retroreflector can operate at distances of several kilometers, providing accurate measurements of distances and dimensions.

Laser ranging using vinkelsignal corner reflectors relies on the speed of light as a ruler, ensuring very precise measurements in terms of distances and determining a reference point in space. The technology is widely used in geodesy and astronomical applications to gauge precise locations and precise distances.