Dynamic and precise long-distance ranging using a free-running dual-comb laser.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Metrology
• Laser Technology

Background:

• Long-distance ranging is critical for industrial and scientific fields.
• Laser-based distance metrology provides high precision.
• Dual-comb ranging offers superior precision and sampling rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce cost and complexity of high-performance long-range dual-comb LiDAR.
• To enhance accessibility of sub-micrometer precision laser ranging.
• To demonstrate a novel fiber-based dual-comb LiDAR system.

Main Methods:

• Developed a fiber-based dual-comb LiDAR frontend.
• Integrated a free-running diode-pumped solid-state dual-comb laser.
• Employed simultaneous distance measurement with interchangeable comb roles for Vernier-based ambiguity resolution.

Main Results:

• Achieved sub-micrometer measurement precision with a theoretical ambiguity range over 200 km.
• Demonstrated sub-micrometer precision for a moving target over 10 m (10^-7 relative precision).
• Attained 0.29 µm instantaneous precision and 33 nm precision with averaging for static targets.

Conclusions:

• The developed system significantly lowers the barrier for high-performance dual-comb LiDAR.
• The technology enables precise, high-update-rate distance measurements.
• Offers potential for advanced applications requiring extreme metrological precision.