Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

10:52
Direct Imaging of Laser-driven Ultrafast Molecular Rotation
Published on: February 4, 2017
Note: continuous-wave time-of-flight laser scanner using two laser diodes to avoid 2π ambiguity
Sungui Hwang1, Junhwan Jang, Kyihwan Park
1Department of Mechatronics, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 1 Oryong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, South Korea.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|September 7, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a novel method using dual laser diodes with varying frequencies to overcome the 2π ambiguity in continuous-wave time-of-flight distance measurements, enabling precise long-range sensing.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Metrology and Measurement Science
Background:
- Continuous-wave time-of-flight (CW-ToF) methods measure distance using light's phase difference.
- A key limitation is the 2π phase ambiguity, restricting unambiguous measurement to shorter distances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the 2π phase ambiguity in CW-ToF distance measurements.
- To enhance distance resolution for longer measurement ranges.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous application of low- and high-frequency signals to two separate laser diodes.
- Utilizing distinct signal processing circuits for each laser diode's signal.
- Phase difference analysis to resolve ambiguity and determine distance.
Main Results:
- Successfully resolved the 2π phase ambiguity inherent in CW-ToF systems.
- Achieved high distance resolution over extended measurement ranges.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of the dual-frequency approach.
Conclusions:
- The proposed dual-frequency laser diode method effectively overcomes CW-ToF limitations.
- This technique offers a viable solution for precise long-distance metrology.
