3D random-modulated pulse lidar based on a gain-switched semiconductor laser with a recirculating delay lines...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Technology
• 3D Imaging Systems

Background:

• Traditional lidar systems face limitations in precision and interference.
• Chaos-modulated lidar offers anti-interference but requires complex components.
• Semiconductor lasers are crucial for developing compact and efficient lidar.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D random-modulated pulse lidar (RDLI) using a gain-switched semiconductor laser and a recirculating delay lines interferometer.
• To investigate the influence of operating parameters on pulse modulation and detection performance.
• To demonstrate the RDLI's superior precision and robustness compared to existing lidar schemes.

Main Methods:

• Generated random-modulated pulses by homodyning frequency-shifting gain-switched pulses with multiple self-delays using an RDLI.
• Experimentally investigated transient dynamics by varying injection currents and delay lengths.
• Quantified detection performance using metrics like signal-to-noise ratio and range precision.

Main Results:

• The RDLI scheme achieved a range precision as low as 0.46 mm, 1.5 times better than the delay self-homodyne interferometer (DSHI) scheme.
• Identified optimal operating conditions for precision and interference balance.
• Demonstrated high-quality 3D face profiling with millimeter-level precision, showing robustness to temperature variations.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D random-modulated pulse lidar (RDLI) offers enhanced precision and anti-interference capabilities.
• The RDLI system is feasible for high-quality 3D imaging applications.
• This technology represents a significant advancement in lidar performance for precise measurements.