High-precision dual-comb ranging based on two-color nonlinear asynchronous optical sampling

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Metrology
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Dual-comb ranging (DCR) offers high-precision distance measurement capabilities.
• Nonlinear asynchronous optical sampling (ASOPS) based DCR is suitable for field applications due to relaxed coherence requirements.
• Conventional nonlinear frequency conversion in DCR typically demands high laser power.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a low-power dual-comb ranging method using two-color nonlinear ASOPS.
• To leverage efficient Type-0 phase matching in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) for enhanced nonlinear frequency conversion.
• To demonstrate high-precision distance measurements with reduced laser power.

Main Methods:

• Employed a two-color nonlinear ASOPS approach with Er-fiber lasers at 1540 nm and 1580 nm.
• Utilized a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal for efficient sum frequency generation via Type-0 phase matching.
• Performed background-free time-of-flight (ToF) measurements using a 780 nm sum frequency signal.

Main Results:

• Achieved a ranging precision of less than 3 µm.
• Demonstrated this precision with a short acquisition time of 100 ms.
• Required only 5 µW of echoed laser power.
• Confirmed dynamic performance by tracking a moving translation stage.

Conclusions:

• The developed DCR method significantly reduces the required laser power for high-precision distance measurements.
• This technique offers a practical and efficient solution for field applications requiring accurate ranging.
• The low-power, high-precision performance opens possibilities for miniaturized and portable ranging systems.