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.

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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
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article

Large-array sub-millimeter precision coherent flash three-dimensional imaging

Shuangxiang Zhao, Wenxiao Zhang, Yangyang Liu, Junze Tian et al.
Nature Communications
Advanced Optical Sensing Technologies
article

Large-array sub-millimeter precision coherent flash three-dimensional imaging

Shuangxiang Zhao, Wenxiao Zhang, Yangyang Liu, Junze Tian, Jianhao Duan, Jianwei Wang, Erke Mao, Shukang Xu, Tao Zeng, Bin Wang
article en

Abstract

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.

Nature CommunicationsVol. 17(1)
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)
Sustainable cities and communities
Openalex Percentile: Top 56%
Advanced Optical Sensing Technologies
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Large-array sub-millimeter precision coherent flash three-dimensional imaging — Shuangxiang Zhao, Wenxiao Zhang, et al. · Nature Communications (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS