Precision LIDAR Using Dual‐Comb Breathing Spectra

Abstract Light detection and ranging (Lidar) is indispensable in a variety of fields, encompassing basic science, manufacturing, production, and daily life. Here, from a different perspective, A phenomenon is observed occurring between the optical frequency comb (OFC) and obstacles within the optical frequency domain, which is referred to “breathing spectra,” inspired by the dynamic shape alterations with varying lengths, reminiscent of the oscillatory patterns seen during breathing. Precision length metrology is achieved by retracing the peak positions of dual‐microcomb breathing spectra (DBS) with different repetition rates back to the stable comb optical modes, enabling the attainment of nanoscale accuracy across long distance in a single‐shot measurement while consuming fewer computational resources. Minimum Allan deviations of 1.08 nm at a distance of 0.5 m, and 21.8 nm at a distance of 217 m are experimentally demonstrated. The DBS methodology eliminates the need for auxiliary ranging and other complex steps while being CMOS‐compatible and offering the potential for single‐chip integration, will thus emerge as a competitive and novel alternative in the realm of length metrology applications.