Open AccessPhase measurement using an optical vortex lattice produced with a three-beam interferometer
Author(s) -
Samuel Anthony Eastwood,
Alexis I. Bishop,
Timothy Petersen,
David M. Paganin,
Michael J. Morgan
Publication year - 2012
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.20.013947
Subject(s) - optics , interferometry , physics , optical vortex , talbot effect , vortex , interference (communication) , wavefront , phase (matter) , light beam , lattice (music) , astronomical interferometer , lens (geology) , beam (structure) , diffraction , acoustics , computer science , computer network , channel (broadcasting) , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
A new phase-measurement technique is proposed, which utilizes a three-beam interferometer. Three-wave interference in the interferometer generates a uniform lattice of optical vortices, which is distorted by the presence of an object inserted in one arm of the interferometer. The transverse displacement of the vortices is proportional to the phase shift in the object wave. Tracking the vortices permits the phase of the object to be reconstructed. We demonstrate the method experimentally using a simple lens and a more complex object, namely the wing of a common house fly. Since the technique is implemented in real space, it is capable of reconstructing the phase locally.