Fundamental Limitations of Absolute Ranging via Deep Frequency Modulation Interferometry

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Author: Dovale-Álvarez, Miguel
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Dovale-Álvarez, Miguel
author_facet Dovale-Álvarez, Miguel
contents Deep frequency modulation interferometry (DFMI) resolves phase ambiguity in absolute distance measurements by jointly estimating two length-encoding parameters: the coarse and unambiguous effective modulation depth ($m$), and the fine but ambiguous interferometric phase ($ϕ$). We establish a comprehensive framework quantifying the fundamental precision limits and practical accuracy constraints of this technique. A Fisher-information analysis defines the intrinsic estimator precision for $m$ and $ϕ$, while the contribution of carrier frequency drift introduces an additional, time-dependent source of random error. Numerical simulations reveal a structured error landscape with previously unrecognized ``valleys of robustness,'' where systematic biases from common hardware imperfections are suppressed by orders of magnitude. An analytical model based on signal orthogonality explains their origin and predicts their locations. The results yield a consolidated error budget accounting for both random and systematic errors, providing a quantitative design paradigm for absolute length metrology via DFMI.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2507_23183
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Fundamental Limitations of Absolute Ranging via Deep Frequency Modulation Interferometry
Dovale-Álvarez, Miguel
Optics
Applied Physics
Instrumentation and Detectors
Deep frequency modulation interferometry (DFMI) resolves phase ambiguity in absolute distance measurements by jointly estimating two length-encoding parameters: the coarse and unambiguous effective modulation depth ($m$), and the fine but ambiguous interferometric phase ($ϕ$). We establish a comprehensive framework quantifying the fundamental precision limits and practical accuracy constraints of this technique. A Fisher-information analysis defines the intrinsic estimator precision for $m$ and $ϕ$, while the contribution of carrier frequency drift introduces an additional, time-dependent source of random error. Numerical simulations reveal a structured error landscape with previously unrecognized ``valleys of robustness,'' where systematic biases from common hardware imperfections are suppressed by orders of magnitude. An analytical model based on signal orthogonality explains their origin and predicts their locations. The results yield a consolidated error budget accounting for both random and systematic errors, providing a quantitative design paradigm for absolute length metrology via DFMI.
title Fundamental Limitations of Absolute Ranging via Deep Frequency Modulation Interferometry
topic Optics
Applied Physics
Instrumentation and Detectors
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.23183