Noise-tolerant LiDAR approaching the standard quantum-limited precision

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics and photonics
• LiDAR technology
• Computational imaging

Background:

• Quantum-inspired imaging enhances LiDAR performance, but outdoor noise limits current systems.
• Achieving standard quantum-limited performance in LiDAR remains a challenge due to background noise and signal variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a LiDAR system that approaches standard quantum-limited performance.
• To overcome heavy background noise in outdoor environments for improved LiDAR functionality.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing photon-number-resolving detectors to record echo signal photon numbers.
• Implementing an active photon number filter to mitigate background noise.
• Comparing performance with traditional on/off detection methods.

Main Results:

• The proposed LiDAR approaches the standard quantum limit in intensity estimation across a broad photon-flux range.
• Achieved Fisher information is only 0.04 dB less than quantum Fisher information at a mean signal photon number of 10.
• Demonstrated noise-free daytime target reconstruction and imaging with superior reflectivity resolution using significantly fewer measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed LiDAR system effectively overcomes background noise, approaching quantum-limited performance.
• This technology offers a fundamental strategy for rapid target extraction and material identification in complex environments.
• The findings are crucial for advancing intelligent agents, including autonomous vehicles.