Open AccessVisibility enhanced interferometer based on an injection-locking technique for low reflective materials
Author(s) -
Jonghan Jin,
Jae Wan Kim,
Chu-Shik Kang,
Jong-Ahn Kim
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.023517
Subject(s) - visibility , optics , interferometry , interference (communication) , materials science , retroreflector , interferometric visibility , signal (programming language) , scattering , light scattering , astronomical interferometer , laser , computer science , physics , telecommunications , channel (broadcasting) , programming language
We propose and demonstrate a novel method to enhance the visibility of an optical interferometer when measuring low reflective materials. Because of scattering from a rough surface or its own low reflectivity, the visibility of the obtained interference signal is seriously deteriorated. By amplifying the weak light coming from the sample based on an injection-locking technique, the visibility can be enhanced. As a feasibility test, even with a sample having a reflectivity of 0.6%, we obtained almost the same visibility as a metal coated mirror. The suggested visibility enhanced interferometer can be widely used for measuring low reflective materials.