Hello,
I have an outdoor application where I need to measure distances (in the range of 0.3-0.8 m) quite accurately (measurement accuracy should be in the range of 1-3 mm). The application has a dusty environment. The measurement should be continuous, since in the application the distance measurement system should monitor vibrations/deviations from the equilibrium state of a mechanical system. Do you have suggestions for the sensors of the low cost distance measurement system. Ultrasonic transducers? Or a laser + photodiode in a triangular configuration? Or something else. The distance is measured between the transmitter and a solid metal wall.
There is a lidar sensor that provides really accurate measurement, but I am not sure how it works in a dusty environment (depends on how dusty, I suppose).
Look for "GY-VL53L0XV2 VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor"
Dust could put a damper on laser indeed, depending on how dusty and how sensitive the laser is. You may have to experiment with it.
Ultrasound is out - it's in range but you can't get the accuracy.
Another solution I'm thinking of would be RF. Anything higher frequency than millimetre waves (i.e. wavelength < 1 mm) can measure distance with this accuracy and should be unaffected by dust. It would also require an appropriate reflector. I do expect such systems exist but have no ready links or an idea on cost.