Measurements of Multiple Targets Using a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Single Photon LIDAR

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems with FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) technology can be utilised for distance estimation and motion detection in complex environments. This project aims to study the system’s ability to measure distance and vibration properties of two objects simultaneously. Measurements were conducted utilising an SNSPD (Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detector ), enabling high-precision photon counting and extraction of beating frequencies for different target configurations. The FMCW LIDAR system demonstrated high precision in distance estimation of two static targets and accurate frequency extraction of a target behind a glass surface. However, the device exhibited poor measurement reliability during distance estimation of vibrating targets, even resulting in negative distances. This could possibly be caused by disturbance from the presence of another target, insufficient distance between the target and the device, or distortions amplified by an increased modulation frequency.