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Baptiste001
Visitor II
March 9, 2025
Solved

VL53L8CX ToF Sensor

Hi.

I have question regarding VL53L8CX ToF sensor. The minimum distance is 2cm. The space between the objects being measured is less then that. Was wondering if it will be possible to reflect the light off from a mirror at 45 degrees to increase the distance between sensor and object being scanned?

Thanks for the assistance

Jonathan

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John E KVAM
John E KVAMBest answer
ST Employee
March 10, 2025

Sure you can! There are some issues to consider, however.

1) Mirrors are not 100% reflective. Some of the photons will actually return from the surface of the mirror. But the signal strength is so small that it probably will not matter. You might see it in the histogram if you use the VL53L8CH and have a look.

2) a mirror will 'flip' the image. It's not a big problem but think about it. 

3) As the light goes out in a 45 degree pyramid, the light from the far side of the mirror will travel farther than the near side. So you have an interesting geometry problem. But if you draw it out, you will figure out the algo to compensate. 

Give it a try, I'm sure you can get it to work.

- john 

If this or any post solves your issue, please mark them as 'Accept as Solution' It really helps. And if you notice anything wrong do not hesitate to 'Report Inappropriate Content'. Someone will review it.
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John E KVAM
John E KVAMBest answer
ST Employee
March 10, 2025

Sure you can! There are some issues to consider, however.

1) Mirrors are not 100% reflective. Some of the photons will actually return from the surface of the mirror. But the signal strength is so small that it probably will not matter. You might see it in the histogram if you use the VL53L8CH and have a look.

2) a mirror will 'flip' the image. It's not a big problem but think about it. 

3) As the light goes out in a 45 degree pyramid, the light from the far side of the mirror will travel farther than the near side. So you have an interesting geometry problem. But if you draw it out, you will figure out the algo to compensate. 

Give it a try, I'm sure you can get it to work.

- john 

If this or any post solves your issue, please mark them as 'Accept as Solution' It really helps. And if you notice anything wrong do not hesitate to 'Report Inappropriate Content'. Someone will review it.
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