Soliton Microcomb Interferometry for Absolute Precision Lidar Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser interferometry systems are limited by their single-wavelength measurement capability, which restricts distance measurement precision to half the wavelength, making it challenging to achieve absolute distance measurement with sub-micrometer accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a soliton microcomb-based precision dimensional metrology system using spectrally-resolved interferometry, which includes a dual-pumped soliton microcomb generator, an erbium-doped fiber amplifier, and a non-polarizing beam splitter to generate and amplify a soliton microcomb, enabling tooth-resolved and high-visibility interferograms for precise distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single-wavelength laser interferometry is used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but distance measurement precision is limited to half the wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single wavelength into multiple discrete frequency components (comb lines) spaced at regular intervals. This segmentation allows the system to measure distance with precision exceeding half-wavelength limits by utilizing the phase information from multiple frequency components simultaneously, while maintaining a relatively simple comb generator structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-wavelength (one-dimensional) measurement to multi-wavelength frequency comb measurement, adding the frequency dimension to the measurement process. This enables absolute distance measurement and extends the unambiguous measurement range beyond what is possible with single-wavelength interferometry
2Length of stationary object
If single-wavelength laser interferometry is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but non-ambiguity range is bounded to half wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the measurement into multiple frequency components with different wavelengths, the system can determine the integer number of wavelengths (order of interference) for each component. This segmentation allows the unambiguous measurement range to be extended to many times the original half-wavelength limit while using a compact comb generator
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency comb generator serves multiple functions: it provides multiple wavelengths for extended range measurement, maintains phase coherence for high precision, and enables both relative and absolute distance measurement capabilities within a single integrated system
3Measurement precision
If frequency comb with multiple wavelengths is used, then measurement precision and range are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple frequency components into a single coherent frequency comb structure that can be generated from a compact microresonator. This combining approach maintains the precision benefits of multi-wavelength measurement while avoiding the complexity of coordinating separate laser systems
Solution Approach 2:
The microresonator-based frequency comb generator is self-sustaining, generating multiple coherent frequency components through nonlinear optical processes within the resonator. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external frequency stabilization and synchronization systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves nanometric-scale precision and extends the non-ambiguity range beyond the limitations of single-wavelength systems, providing stable and repeatable distance measurements with minimal error, suitable for advanced applications in science and technology.
Implementation Method 1
a soliton microcomb having a large free-spectral range and high-coherence that enables tooth-resolved spectral interferograms
Implementation Method 2
The generated frequency comb is based on a soliton microcomb from a high-coherence, chip-scale, microresonator
Implementation Method 3
an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) that amplifies a C-band section of the soliton microcomb
Implementation Method 4
a non-polarizing beam splitter (BS) that divides the soliton microcomb pulses into a reference arm pulse and a measurement arm pulse
Implementation Method 5
tooth-resolved and high-visibility interferograms for precise distance measurement
Implementation Method 6
a dual-pumped soliton microcomb generator comprising a pump, a microresonator, and an auxiliary pump
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for soliton microcomb-based precision dimensional metrology via spectrally-resolved interferometry are described. In an embodiment, the system includes a dual-pumped soliton microcomb generator comprising a pump, a microresonator, and an auxiliary pump and that generates a single-soliton microcomb, an erbium-doped fiber amplifier that amplifies a C-band section of the soliton microcomb and a non-polarizing beam splitter that divides the soliton microcomb pulses into a reference arm pulse and a measurement arm pulse for an interferometer and recombines the reference arm pulse and the measurement arm pulse into a recombined beam upon their return.