Here is the actual instrument with the cover removed. The basis for the
instrument is an optical bench upon which all the optics and mechanics are
mounted for stability. The laser is on the left side of the instrument.
The path of the beam traces around the outside edges of the box, and you
can follow it by noticing the beam turning mirrors. These mirrors allow us
to align the laser upon the rotating wheel. You'll also notice on the
right side of the image a small black box pointing at one of the mirrors.
This is our start detector, which senses the laser beam firing from the
scattering light off the turning mirror.
The scanning mirror is covered with a bent plexiglass cover. The motor
the drives the wheel is the far left of the image, and the digital encoder
is the cylindrical metalic colored component behind the wheel. You can also
see the telescope which extends through the bench. The photo multiplier
tube is at the top end of the telescope, and is what turns received light
from the target into an electrical impulse response.
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