In LIDAR systems, what occurs when the light beam hits a target at an angle?

When a light beam from a LIDAR system strikes a target at an angle, the reading may be distorted due to several factors related to the physics of light and reflection. When the beam is not perpendicular to the surface, the angle of incidence can affect the way the light reflects back to the sensor. This can lead to inaccuracies in the distance measurement because the time it takes for the reflected light to return to the sensor may not correspond directly to the actual distance to the target.

For instance, if the light beam strikes a surface at an oblique angle, the path length that the light travels can be longer than if it had hit the surface directly. Additionally, the intensity and direction of the reflected light may also change, potentially leading to reduced signal strength or misleading measurements. Hence, it is crucial for operators to be aware of the angle of incidence when interpreting LIDAR data to ensure the accuracy of speed detection.