Open AccessDesign, alignment, and calibration of a focused laser differential interferometer
Author(s) -
Mallory C. Neet,
Joel M. Lawson,
Joanna M. Austin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
applied optics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.668
H-Index - 197
eISSN - 2155-3165
pISSN - 1559-128X
DOI - 10.1364/ao.435112
Subject(s) - optics , interferometry , astronomical interferometer , calibration , laser , differential (mechanical device) , physics , computer science , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
Methods are presented for systematic selection of optical components and dimensions for the design of both single- and double-focused laser differential interferometers (FLDIs). Step-by-step instructions for the assembly and alignment of each FLDI component are given, including detailed figures of the interferometer fringe behavior, as the required infinite-fringe configuration is approached. Calibration and data post-processing techniques are provided in order to obtain quantitative signals from the FLDI.