A laser receiver works by detecting laser beams, often emitted by a rotary laser, to establish a reference point or plane. Specifically, a rotating beam emitted by the rotary laser generates an accurate plane which is detected by the receiver as an artificial reference. This detection allows the receiver to determine its position relative to the laser plane.
Understanding the Core Mechanism
In construction and surveying, laser receivers are commonly used with rotary lasers for tasks like setting grade and slope. The process relies on the receiver's ability to accurately sense the laser beam:
- Laser Emitter: A rotary laser spins a laser beam at high speed, creating a continuous, level or sloped plane of light.
- Receiver Detection: The laser receiver has a sensor area that is sensitive to the laser's wavelength. As the rotating beam sweeps past the receiver, the sensor detects the light pulse.
- Establishing a Reference: The receiver identifies exactly where the laser beam strikes its sensor surface (e.g., high, low, or on-grade). This detection point relative to the receiver's position establishes the artificial reference plane created by the laser.
The benefit of using this laser plane as a reference is that it is independent of base conditions. This means uneven ground or other site irregularities do not affect the accuracy of the laser plane itself.
Practical Applications
Laser receivers are essential tools for precision tasks:
- Grade Checking: On a job site, a laser receiver attached to a survey staff allows workers to quickly check if a point is above, below, or exactly on the desired grade line established by the laser plane.
- Machine Control: Receivers mounted on heavy machinery (like bulldozers or graders) guide the operator or automated systems to cut or fill material precisely to the laser-defined grade or slope.
- Setting Layouts: Used for setting elevations for concrete forms, footings, or other building elements.
In essence, the laser receiver acts as the 'eye' that sees the invisible laser plane, providing critical feedback for accurate positioning relative to that plane.
