What laser component is highly relevant in modern Lidar for speed measurement?

• A. Gallium arsenide diodes
• B. Neodymium lasers
• C. Ruby lasers
• D. CO2 lasers

Answer: (A)

The relevance of gallium arsenide diodes in modern Lidar technology for speed measurement lies in their ability to emit laser light at specific wavelengths that are effective for measuring distance and speed. Gallium arsenide diodes are known for their efficiency, compact size, and ability to produce coherent light, which is crucial for high-precision applications such as Lidar systems used in speed measurement.

These diodes operate at wavelengths typically in the infrared spectrum, making them suitable for detecting the return signal from objects, including vehicles. The precision and responsiveness of gallium arsenide diodes make them integral in accurately capturing the time it takes for the emitted laser light to return after hitting an object, which is fundamental in determining both speed and distance.

Other types of lasers, such as neodymium, ruby, and CO2 lasers, while historically significant, are not as commonly used in the latest Lidar technologies specifically for speed measurement tasks. Their characteristics may not meet the requirements for compact and efficient speed measurement solutions in a similar way to gallium arsenide diodes.