Quantum noise in ranging with optical pulses

Optical frequency combs combine ultrashort pulse duration and phase stability, making them powerful resources for high-precision ranging even when affected by atmospheric dispersion. It has been established that by classical modal engineering and mode-sensitive detection, sensitivity to distance at the standard limit can be achieved; however, attaining improved uncertainties by the use of squeezing has not been explored. Here, we apply an effective Hamiltonian framework to the problem of ranging with quantum frequency combs in order to derive the associated precision bounds for distance estimation. The problem needs addressing of the pulse shape and its quantum properties at once. The analysis reveals that quantum solutions may be appealing mostly for short-distance applications.