Phase noise considerations in coherent optical FMCW reflectometry

Abstract
An analysis of coherent optical FMCW is presented. It shows the limitations imposed on measurements of discrete reflections and of Rayleigh backscattering due to phase noise originating in the finite coherence length of the optical source. The dependence of the range for accurate measurements on particular parameters of the optical system is discussed in the general case and for three specific laser sources.