A Novel Laser Detection Method Against Soot Interference Based on Pulse-Width Comparison

Traditional pulsed laser detection systems predominantly utilize threshold-based decision methods that rely on the peak voltage of echo signals for target recognition. However, in environments with soot (smoke and dust) interference, strong backscattering effects lead to severe signal distortion, resulting in false alarms or missed detections, thereby significantly degrading recognition accuracy. To overcome this limitation, through comprehensive simulations and experimental trials, we propose a novel pulse-width comparison method that utilizes the characteristic broadening of echoes induced by soot particles. The method exploits the differences in pulse width between target and soot-induced echoes and achieves effective interference suppression. The target-detection accuracy increases from 71.25% to 93.75% in environments with different concentrations (0–350 mg/m3), corresponding to a 31.58% relative improvement. This approach leverages pulse-width differences between soot-induced and target echoes to enhance anti-interference capability in dusty environments.