Using dispersion-induced group delay to solve the integer ambiguity problem: a theoretical analysis

Abstract

This paper describes a novel approach for solving the integer ambiguity problem when the adjacent pulse repetition interval length (APRIL) from a femtosecond optical frequency comb (FOFC) is used as a length scale. This approach is inspired by the two-color method, which indicates that there is a one-to-one relationship between the integer part of the APRIL and the group delay distance between the two different wavelengths. Accordingly, we numerically investigate the possibility of using dispersion-induced group delay to solve the integer ambiguity problem. The results of theoretical analyses and numerical investigations demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. Our results should contribute toward the further development of APRIL-based length measurement methods.