All-optical coherent pulse compression for dynamic laser ranging using an acousto-optic dual comb

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Metrology
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Traditional laser ranging systems face limitations in dynamic measurement capabilities and range ambiguity.
• Developing high-resolution, high-precision ranging systems is crucial for advanced applications in various scientific and industrial fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel, simple dynamic laser ranging platform.
• To achieve high range resolution and precision using optical coherent pulse compression.
• To enable dynamic measurements and extend the ambiguity range for practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized analog all-optical coherent pulse compression of modulated optical waveforms.
• Employed a bidirectional acousto-optic frequency shifting loop to generate a dual-comb photonic signal.
• Integrated a continuous wave (CW) laser, standard telecom components, and low-frequency electronics.

Main Results:

• Achieved a range resolution of a few millimeters with a 24 GHz dual-comb spectral bandwidth.
• Demonstrated a precision of 20 µm for an integration time of 20 ms.
• Enabled dynamic measurements at acoustic rates, including phase-sensitive measurements and Doppler shift velocimetry.
• Extended the ambiguity range to approximately 20 m using perfect correlation phase sequences.

Conclusions:

• The developed platform offers a simple yet powerful solution for dynamic laser ranging.
• The system's high resolution, precision, and dynamic capabilities make it suitable for advanced metrology.
• Low peak power quasi-continuous waveforms facilitate potential long-range telemetry and reflectometry applications.