Multi-target ranging using chaotic laser generated by semiconductor laser with optical feedback

We investigate the feasibility of multi-target ranging using broad-band chaotic laser numerically and experimentally. Chaotic laser generated by semiconductor laser with optical feedback can be utilized as chaotic signal source for target ranging and detection. Chaotic laser is split into reference beam and signal beam, the ranging is realized by correlating the reference waveform with the time-delayed signal waveform reflected back from the target. Simulation results indicate that the signal beam can be divided into several portions, by correlating the reference waveform with several time-delayed signal waveforms backscattered from multi-targets, the range measurements of multi-targets are achieved in real time. We design a proof-of-concept experiment to confirm the simulation results and realize the range measurements of two targets simultaneously.