Quantum noise in ranging with optical pulses

TL;DR

This paper investigates the quantum noise limits in optical pulse-based ranging using frequency combs, highlighting the potential advantages of quantum squeezing for short-distance precision improvements.

Contribution

It introduces an effective Hamiltonian framework to derive quantum bounds on distance estimation with frequency combs, exploring the impact of squeezing and beam shaping.

Findings

Quantum solutions are most beneficial for short-distance applications.

Intensity anti-squeezing and temporal shaping influence precision bounds.

Quantum squeezing can potentially improve ranging accuracy beyond classical limits.

Abstract

Optical frequency combs combine ultrashort pulse duration and phase stability, making them powerful resources for high-precision ranging even when affected by atmospheric dispersion. It has been established that by classical modal engineering and mdoe-sensitive detection sensitivity to distance at the standard limit can be achieved, however attaining improved uncertainties by the use of squeezing has not been explored. Here, we apply an effective Hamiltonian framework to the problem of ranging with quantum frequency combs in order to derive the associated precision bounds for distance estimation. We analyse the role of intensity anti-squeezing and temporal beam shaping, and find that quantum solutions may be appealing mostly for short-distance applications.