Laser rangefinder is an instrument that can accurately measure the distance of the target by using a parameter of modulated laser. Pulse laser rangefinder is to shoot a beam or a series of short pulse laser beams to the target when working, and the laser beam reflected by the target is received by the photoelectric element. The timer measures the time from the laser beam to the reception, and calculates the distance from the rangefinder to the target.

The first laser in the world was the ruby laser, which was first developed by American Hughes Aircraft Company scientist Mayman in 1960. The US military soon carried out research on military laser devices on this basis. In 1961, the first military laser rangefinder passed the demonstration test of the United States military, and the laser rangefinder soon entered the practical stage.