Researchers have developed a new LiDAR approach that makes it possible to image small objects with much greater precision and accuracy than conventional LiDAR. The method could be useful for acquiring noncontact measurements of critical parts or features during manufacturing.

“LiDAR systems like the ones used in autonomous cars typically measure large objects like roads, cars and trees at large distances with an accuracy of a few centimeters,” said research team leader Derryck T. Reid from Heriot-Watt University in the U.K. “Our LiDAR imaging technique makes it possible to acquire measurements with much greater accuracy while maintaining fully electronic detection, which avoids the complexity and scalability challenges of some high-precision systems.”

In the journal Optics Letters, the researchers describe their new imaging technique, which is based on two-photon dual-comb ranging. They show that the approach can be used to create detailed 3D representations of small aluminum objects with micron-scale precision from 40 centimeters (16 inches) away.