Large-array sub-millimeter precision coherent flash three-dimensional imaging
High-precision three-dimensional (3D) imaging is essential for accurately perceiving environments, providing critical depth and spatial awareness. Among various approaches, solid-state LiDAR systems have garnered significant attention. However, depth precision, detection range and pixel scalability remain key challenges for their widespread adoption. Here, we report a large-array coherent flash 3D imaging system that achieves a sub-millimeter range precision through stepped-frequency modulation and coherent detection with CCD sensors. A coherent image sensor is developed, and a prototype system is demonstrated, providing 3D imaging with a depth precision as high as 0.47 mm over a range of 30.50 m at an optical power of 15.86 mW and a maximum frame rate of 10 Hz. Our system features high range precision, exceptional sensitivity across long distances, and robust pixel scalability by directly leveraging well-established CCD sensors. This advancement introduces a scalable approach to long-range high-precision 3D imaging, with substantial implications for deformation monitoring, virtual reality, and cultural heritage preservation.
Authors
- Shuangxiang Zhao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1343-859X)
- Wenxiao Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7052-5011)
- Yangyang Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4593-7011)
- Junze Tian
- Jianhao Duan
- Jianwei Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8453-5544)
- Erke Mao
- Shukang Xu
- Tao Zeng
- Bin Wang
Institutions
- Beijing Institute of Technology (CN)
- Chongqing University (CN)
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
- Beijing Electronic Science and Technology Institute (CN)
- Aerospace Information Research Institute (CN)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
- Chongqing University of Technology (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Published
- 2026-02-14
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69188-4
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Optical Sensing Technologies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00