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Published on: November 22, 2019
A microcomb-empowered Fourier domain mode-locked LIDAR
Zhaoyu Cai1, Zihao Wang1, Ziqi Wei1
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Department of Precision Instruments, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
This study presents a novel frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system achieving sub-10-nanometer precision and a 24.6 kHz update rate. The advanced FMCW LIDAR utilizes a Fourier Domain Mode-Locked laser and microcomb for enhanced autonomous technology performance.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Autonomous Systems
- Metrology
Background:
- Frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is crucial for autonomous technology, offering low return power operation and simultaneous distance/velocity acquisition.
- Current FMCW LIDAR systems face challenges in achieving high update rates alongside sub-micrometer precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an FMCW LIDAR system with enhanced precision and rapid update rates.
- To demonstrate the application of microcombs in achieving ultrafast frequency sweeping for LIDAR.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a broadband Fourier Domain Mode-Locked (FDML) laser with a silicon nitride soliton microcomb.
- Utilizing a 50-gigahertz microcomb to linearize an ultrahigh-frequency chirp rate of up to 320 petahertz per second.
- Theoretical analysis to address nonlinear frequency sweeps in FMCW velocity measurements.
Main Results:
- Achieved sub-10-nanometer precision and a 24.6-kilohertz update rate in the FMCW LIDAR system.
- Demonstrated velocity measurement with an uncertainty below 0.4 millimeter per second.
- Validated the effectiveness of microcombs in enabling ultrafast frequency sweeping lasers.
Conclusions:
- The developed FMCW LIDAR system overcomes previous limitations in precision and speed.
- Microcombs are shown to be a key technology for advancing ultrafast frequency sweeping lasers in LIDAR applications.
- This work paves the way for more capable autonomous systems.
