Prof. Zhang Wenfu and his group at the Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM) have created an entirely groundbreaking new approach to ranging. They did so using their groundbreaking on-chip cross dual-microcomb (CDMC) technology. Their groundbreaking research was published in the journal Science Advances. It could significantly increase precision in applications like measuring distance. The paper demonstrates the technique’s impressive capability to produce exceptionally precise measurements leveraging dispersion interferometry. This advancement is perhaps the most notable leap forward in lidar.
The CDMC wavelength extending technique combines a laser-assisted intracavity thermal balance scheme to generate two single soliton microcombs. This simple technique improves performance across the board. Secondly, it paves the way for use cases in industries such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and environmental monitoring.
Key Findings and Innovations
In their testing, the team was able to obtain state-of-the-art accuracy scores with the CDMC avoiding method. The 95% confidence intervals for the stepwise measurement surpassed 3.72 μm at a distance of 7.14 meters. At one range gate fixed at 0.3 meters, they measured a standard deviation of only 56 nm. These numbers showcase the technique’s remarkable high accuracy to deliver that very high precision is key in industries ranging from electronics to aerospace to mining.
The researchers set a lower limit of Allan deviation of 5.63 nm over 56 s. This finding demonstrates the robustness and repeatability of the measurements gotten from this new technology. The CDMC showed cross-distribution and even distribution pattern. This enabled high-resolution one-shot spectral sampling, which is important for high bandwidth, real-time use cases.
The scientists fine-tuned the frequency gap between the two pump lasers. They determined this value to be around half of the repetition rate, which was key to realizing the CDMC. On the technical side, they introduced a new microwave injection locking technique. This innovation lowered the output repetition rate jitter from 1 kHz to only 2 Hz. This remarkable technology achievement allowed an extraordinary expansion of the non-ambiguity range (NAR) from 3 mm to a whopping 339 meters.
“The CDMC ranging method has the potential for full-chip integration and demonstrates significant advantages in long-range, dynamic, and absolute distance measurement applications.” – Prof. Zhang Wenfu
Technical Advancements
In contrast to conventional dual-comb ranging schemes that rely on the optical Vernier effect for long-distance measurements, the CDMC method offers synchronous measurements. This simple innovation greatly reduces absolute measurement error (AME) across core areas with stunning effectiveness. It has emerged as the best alternative for Det for applications that require accuracy and dependability.
These results from our case study highlight that miniaturized lidar technologies make it possible to propel several scientific and technological fronts. The unique characteristic of the CDMC method to generate synchronous measurements without a loss of accuracy creates exciting research and development opportunities.
Implications for Future Research
For this reason, industries are always searching for quick and accurate ways to measure distance. Prof. Zhang’s innovative automation strategy has the potential to fundamentally change automation and enhance performance across manufacturing, transportation and other industries. This research goes deeper than technical specs. It has the capacity to change how we perceive space in everything from policy making to marketing.
As industries increasingly seek efficient and reliable distance measurement techniques, Prof. Zhang’s innovative approach could pave the way for enhanced automation and improved performance in sectors ranging from manufacturing to transportation. The implications of this research extend beyond technical specifications, as it promises to revolutionize how distance is measured across multiple fields.
