Reliable non-ambiguity range extension with dual-comb simultaneous operation in absolute distance measurements

We report an absolute distance measurement scheme using two simultaneous optical frequency combs with different repetition rates for reliable non-ambiguity range extension. Since the non-ambiguity range extension is susceptible to distance drift during the repetition rate adjustment, pulse trains with two different repetition rates are coupled and directed simultaneously onto a target for coincident distance measurement. The simultaneous measurement avoids the process of adjusting the repetition rate and suppresses the influence of distance drift therein. The distances measured by the two repetition rates are distinguished by type II second harmonic generation. Target movement and atmospheric variation are made to imitate the distance drift, and experimental results show that the non-ambiguity range extension remains effective along the measurement. (paper)