Super-Poissonian Light Source for Quantum Range Finding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quantum-based radar and lidar systems for range finding are complex and expensive, with multiple points-of-failure, particularly due to the use of entangled photon pair sources.

Innovation Solution

An optical range finding device and method utilizing a light source with super-Poissonian photon statistics, splitting the light into a reference and probe beam, and employing single-photon detectors to detect quantum-correlated photons for determining distance, leveraging the Hanbury-Brown and Twiss effect for distance measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If entangled photon pair sources are used for quantum-based radar or lidar, then range finding capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase with multiple points-of-failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange finding capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity and points-of-failure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential quantum correlation property from complex entangled photon pair sources and implements it using a simpler super-Poissonian light source with random phase modulation. This removes the need for complex entangled photon generation systems while preserving the quantum correlation functionality needed for range finding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex entangled photon pair sources with more affordable super-Poissonian light sources that can be implemented using standard laser diodes and random phase modulators. This substitution maintains the functional capability while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If entangled photon pair sources are used for quantum-based radar or lidar, then range finding capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange finding capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive super-Poissonian light sources based on standard laser diodes and random phase modulators instead of costly entangled photon pair sources. This substitution maintains the quantum correlation functionality required for range finding while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs and enabling more widespread deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If super-Poissonian light with random phase modulation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidtiming statistic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the form of autocorrelation measurements that continuously monitor and characterize the temporal structure of the super-Poissonian light. This feedback information is used to compensate for variations in the random phase modulation, maintaining measurement precision while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the specific parameter characteristics of super-Poissonian light, particularly its temporal photon bunching properties and random phase modulation, to encode distance information. By carefully controlling and measuring these parameter variations, the system achieves precise range finding without requiring complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables efficient and cost-effective distance measurement with high accuracy, utilizing semiconductor diode lasers and single-photon detectors to exploit quantum correlations, reducing complexity and points-of-failure, and is suitable for applications in autonomous vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a light source configured to generate light with a super-Poissonian timing statistic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuper-Poissonian photon statistics:

Implementation Method 2

an optical module for splitting the light into a reference beam and a probe beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Implementation Method 3

a first single-photon detector configured for illumination by the reference beam; a second single-photon detector configured for illumination by the probe beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

a timing module coupled to the first and second single-photon detectors for detecting a time difference between detection of quantum-correlated photons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20230384433A1Optical range finding

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

AI summary

An optical range finding device and an optical range finding method. The method comprises the steps of generating light with a super Poissonian timing statistic; splitting the light into a reference beam and a probe beam and directing the probe beam towards a target in free-space; illuminating a first single-photon detector by the reference beam; illuminating a second single-photon detector by the probe beam after reflection by the target in free-space; detecting a time difference between detection of quantum-correlated photons in the reference beam and the reflected probe beam for determining a distance between the device and the target.