An optical correlation receiver is described that provides ultra-precise distance and/or time/pulsewidth measurements even for weak (single photons) and short (femtosecond) optical signals. A new type of optical correlation receiver uses a fourth-order (intensity) interferometer to provide micron distance measurements even for weak (single photons) and short (femtosecond) optical signals. The optical correlator uses a low-noise-integrating detector that can resolve photon number. The correlation (range as a function of path delay) is calculated from the variance of the photon number of the difference of the optical signals on the two detectors. Our preliminary proof-of principle data (using a short-pulse diode laser transmitter) demonstrates tens of microns precision.

Date Published: 5 May 2016
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 9858, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques X, 98580S (5 May 2016); doi: 10.1117/12.2225947

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9858:
Advanced Photon Counting Techniques X
Mark A. Itzler; Joe C. Campbell, Editor(s)