The optical very large array and its moon-based version

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Labeyrie, Antoine

1992-01-01

An Optical Very Large Array (OVLA) is currently in early prototyping stages for ground-based sites, such as Mauna Kea and perhaps the VLT site in Chile. Its concept is also suited for a moon-based interferometer. With a ring of bi-dimensionally mobile telescopes, there is maximal flexibility in the aperture pattern, and no need for delay lines. A circular configuration of many free-flying telescopes, TRIO, is also considered for space interferometers. Finally, the principle of gaseous mirrors may become applicable for moon-based optical arrays. Fifteen years after the first coherent linkage of two optical telescopes, the design of an ambitious imaging array, the OVLA, is now well advanced. Two 1.5 m telescopes have been built and now provide astronomical results. Elements of the OVLA are under construction. Although primarily conceived for ground-based sites, the OVLA structure appears to meet the essential requirements for operation on the Moon.

Advancement of Optical Component Control for an Imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larar, Allen M.; Cook, William B.; Flood, Michael A.; Campbell, Joel F.; Boyer, Charles M.

2009-01-01

Risk mitigation activities associated with a prototype imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) system are continuing at the NASA Langley Research Center. The system concept and technology center about enabling and improving future space-based atmospheric composition missions, with a current focus on observing tropospheric ozone around 9.6 micron, while having applicability toward measurement in different spectral regions and other applications. Recent activities have focused on improving an optical element control subsystem to enable precise and accurate positioning and control of etalon plates; this is needed to provide high system spectral fidelity critical for enabling the required ability to spectrally-resolve atmospheric line structure. The latest results pertaining to methodology enhancements, system implementation, and laboratory characterization testing will be reported

A novel lightweight Fizeau infrared interferometric imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hope, Douglas A.; Hart, Michael; Warner, Steve; Durney, Oli; Romeo, Robert

2016-05-01

Aperture synthesis imaging techniques using an interferometer provide a means to achieve imagery with spatial resolution equivalent to a conventional filled aperture telescope at a significantly reduced size, weight and cost, an important implication for air- and space-borne persistent observing platforms. These concepts have been realized in SIRII (Space-based IR-imaging interferometer), a new light-weight, compact SWIR and MWIR imaging interferometer designed for space-based surveillance. The sensor design is configured as a six-element Fizeau interferometer; it is scalable, light-weight, and uses structural components and main optics made of carbon fiber replicated polymer (CFRP) that are easy to fabricate and inexpensive. A three-element prototype of the SIRII imager has been constructed. The optics, detectors, and interferometric signal processing principles draw on experience developed in ground-based astronomical applications designed to yield the highest sensitivity and resolution with cost-effective optical solutions. SIRII is being designed for technical intelligence from geo-stationary orbit. It has an instantaneous 6 x 6 mrad FOV and the ability to rapidly scan a 6x6 deg FOV, with a minimal SNR. The interferometric design can be scaled to larger equivalent filled aperture, while minimizing weight and costs when compared to a filled aperture telescope with equivalent resolution. This scalability in SIRII allows it address a range of IR-imaging scenarios.

Digital holographic interferometry: a novel optical calorimetry technique for radiation dosimetry.

PubMed

Cavan, Alicia; Meyer, Juergen

2014-02-01

To develop and demonstrate the proof-of-principle of a novel optical calorimetry method to determine radiation absorbed dose in a transparent medium. The calorimetric property of water is measured during irradiation by means of an interferometer, which detects temperature-induced changes in the refractive index that can be mathematically related to absorbed dose. The proposed method uses a technique called digital holographic interferometry (DHI), which comprises an optical laser interferometer setup and consecutive physical reconstruction of the recorded wave fronts by means of the Fresnel transform. This paper describes the conceptual framework and provides the mathematical basis for DHI dosimetry. Dose distributions from a high dose rate Brachytherapy source were measured by a prototype optical setup to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach. The developed DHI dosimeter successfully determined absorbed dose distributions in water in the region adjacent to a high dose rate Brachytherapy source. A temperature change of 0.0381 K across a distance of 6.8 mm near the source was measured, corresponding to a dose of 159.3 Gy. The standard deviation in a typical measurement set was ± 3.45 Gy (corresponding to an uncertainty in the temperature value of ± 8.3 × 10(-4) K). The relative dose fall off was in agreement with treatment planning system modeled data. First results with a prototype optical setup and a Brachytherapy source demonstrate the proof-of-principle of the approach. The prototype achieves high spatial resolution of approximately 3 × 10(-4) m. The general approach is fundamentally independent of the radiation type and energy. The sensitivity range determined indicates that the method is predominantly suitable for high dose rate applications. Further work is required to determine absolute dose in all three dimensions.

NPOI: recent technology and science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benson, James A.; Hutter, Donald J.; Johnston, Kenneth J.; Zavala, Robert T.; White, Nathaniel M.; Pauls, Thomas A.; Gilbreath, G. C.; Armstrong, J. T.; Hindsley, Robert B.

2004-10-01

We describe recent science projects that the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI) scientific staff and collaborators are pursuing. Recent results from the wide angle astrometric program and imaging programs (rapid rotators, binaries and Be stars) will be summarized. We discuss some of the technology that enables the NPOI to operate routinely as an observatory astronomical instrument.

ALMA test interferometer control system: past experiences and future developments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marson, Ralph G.; Pokorny, Martin; Kern, Jeff; Stauffer, Fritz; Perrigouard, Alain; Gustafsson, Birger; Ramey, Ken

2004-09-01

The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) will, when it is completed in 2012, be the world's largest millimeter & sub-millimeter radio telescope. It will consist of 64 antennas, each one 12 meters in diameter, connected as an interferometer. The ALMA Test Interferometer Control System (TICS) was developed as a prototype for the ALMA control system. Its initial task was to provide sufficient functionality for the evaluation of the prototype antennas. The main antenna evaluation tasks include surface measurements via holography and pointing accuracy, measured at both optical and millimeter wavelengths. In this paper we will present the design of TICS, which is a distributed computing environment. In the test facility there are four computers: three real-time computers running VxWorks (one on each antenna and a central one) and a master computer running Linux. These computers communicate via Ethernet, and each of the real-time computers is connected to the hardware devices via an extension of the CAN bus. We will also discuss our experience with this system and outline changes we are making in light of our experiences.

Tests of a two-color interferometer and polarimeter for ITER density measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Zeeland, M. A.; Carlstrom, T. N.; Finkenthal, D. K.; Boivin, R. L.; Colio, A.; Du, D.; Gattuso, A.; Glass, F.; Muscatello, C. M.; O'Neill, R.; Smiley, M.; Vasquez, J.; Watkins, M.; Brower, D. L.; Chen, J.; Ding, W. X.; Johnson, D.; Mauzey, P.; Perry, M.; Watts, C.; Wood, R.

2017-12-01

A full-scale 120 m path length ITER toroidal interferometer and polarimeter (TIP) prototype, including an active feedback alignment system, has been constructed and undergone initial testing at General Atomics. In the TIP prototype, two-color interferometry is carried out at 10.59 μm and 5.22 μm using a CO2 and quantum cascade laser (QCL) respectively while a separate polarimetry measurement of the plasma induced Faraday effect is made at 10.59 μm. The polarimeter system uses co-linear right and left-hand circularly polarized beams upshifted by 40 and 44 MHz acousto-optic cells respectively, to generate the necessary beat signal for heterodyne phase detection, while interferometry measurements are carried out at both 40 MHz and 44 MHz for the CO2 laser and 40 MHz for the QCL. The high-resolution phase information is obtained using an all-digital FPGA based phase demodulation scheme and precision clock source. The TIP prototype is equipped with a piezo tip/tilt stage active feedback alignment system responsible for minimizing noise in the measurement and keeping the TIP diagnostic aligned indefinitely on its 120 m beam path including as the ITER vessel is brought from ambient to operating temperatures. The prototype beam path incorporates translation stages to simulate ITER motion through a bake cycle as well as other sources of motion or misalignment. Even in the presence of significant motion, the TIP prototype is able to meet ITER’s density measurement requirements over 1000 s shot durations with demonstrated phase resolution of 0.06° and 1.5° for the polarimeter and vibration compensated interferometer respectively. TIP vibration compensated interferometer measurements of a plasma have also been made in a pulsed radio frequency device and show a line-integrated density resolution of δ {nL}=3.5× {10}17 m-2.

A tunable, double-wavelength heterodyne detection interferometer with frequency-locked diode-pumped Nd:YAG sources for absolute measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gelmini, E.; Minoni, U.; Docchio, F.

1995-08-01

A double heterodyne interferometric instrument using a tunable synthetic wavelength for the absolute measurements of distance and position is presented. The optical synthetic wavelength is generated by a pair of PZT-tunable diode-pumped Nd:YAG lasers operating at 1.064 μm. Based on a closed-loop scheme, a suitable electronic circuit has been developed to implement the frequency locking of the two lasers. A digital frequency comparator provides an error signal, used to control the slave laser, by comparing the laser beat frequency to a reference oscillator. Demodulation of the superheterodyne signals is obtained by a rf detector followed by low-pass filtering. Distance measurements are obtained by a digital phase meter gauging the phase difference between the demodulated signals from a measuring interferometer and from a reference interferometer. The paper presents the optical and the electronic layouts of the instrument as well as experimental results from a laboratory prototype.

Arrayed waveguide Sagnac interferometer.

PubMed

Capmany, José; Muñoz, Pascual; Sales, Salvador; Pastor, Daniel; Ortega, Beatriz; Martinez, Alfonso

2003-02-01

We present a novel device, an arrayed waveguide Sagnac interferometer, that combines the flexibility of arrayed waveguides and the wide application range of fiber or integrated optics Sagnac loops. We form the device by closing an array of wavelength-selective light paths provided by two arrayed waveguides with a single 2 x 2 coupler in a Sagnac configuration. The equations that describe the device's operation in general conditions are derived. A preliminary experimental demonstration is provided of a fiber prototype in passive operation that shows good agreement with the expected theoretical performance. Potential applications of the device in nonlinear operation are outlined and discussed.

Spatially scanned two-color mid-infrared interferometer for FTU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canton, A.; Innocente, P.; Martini, S.; Tasinato, L.; Tudisco, O.

2001-01-01

The design of a scanning beam two-color mid-infrared (MIR) interferometer is presented. The diagnostic is being developed for the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade (FTU) which calls for a new interferometer to perform detailed study of advanced confinement regimes in D-shaped plasmas. After performing a feasibility study and a prototype test, we designed a scanning interferometer based on a resonant tilting mirror providing 40 chords of ≈1 cm diameter and a full profile every 62 μs. Such a high number of chords is obtained with a very simple optical scheme, resulting in a system which is compact, low cost, and easy to align. An important feature of the interferometer is its higher immunity to fringe jumps compared to conventional far infrared (FIR) systems. Three main factors contribute to that: the high critical density associated to MIR beams, the large bandwidth provided by 40 MHz heterodyne detection, and the fact that each scan provides a "self-consistent" profile.

Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer Imaging of Line Emission Regions of Beta Lyrae Using Differential Phase Referencing

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-01

is polarized by a structure perpendicular to this direction. Another result that confirms this geometry is a radio nebula along p.a. 156◦ ± 4...2000) detected a jetlike nebular structure oriented along p.a. = 156◦.5 ± 4◦. This nebula is perpendicular, within uncertainties, to the orbit

Precision alignment and calibration of optical systems using computer generated holograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coyle, Laura Elizabeth

As techniques for manufacturing and metrology advance, optical systems are being designed with more complexity than ever before. Given these prescriptions, alignment and calibration can be a limiting factor in their final performance. Computer generated holograms (CGHs) have several unique properties that make them powerful tools for meeting these demanding tolerances. This work will present three novel methods for alignment and calibration of optical systems using computer generated holograms. Alignment methods using CGHs require that the optical wavefront created by the CGH be related to a mechanical datum to locate it space. An overview of existing methods is provided as background, then two new alignment methods are discussed in detail. In the first method, the CGH contact Ball Alignment Tool (CBAT) is used to align a ball or sphere mounted retroreflector (SMR) to a Fresnel zone plate pattern with micron level accuracy. The ball is bonded directly onto the CGH substrate and provides permanent, accurate registration between the optical wavefront and a mechanical reference to locate the CGH in space. A prototype CBAT was built and used to align and bond an SMR to a CGH. In the second method, CGH references are used to align axi-symmetric optics in four degrees of freedom with low uncertainty and real time feedback. The CGHs create simultaneous 3D optical references where the zero order reflection sets tilt and the first diffracted order sets centration. The flexibility of the CGH design can be used to accommodate a wide variety of optical systems and maximize sensitivity to misalignments. A 2-CGH prototype system was aligned multiplied times and the alignment uncertainty was quantified and compared to an error model. Finally, an enhanced calibration method is presented. It uses multiple perturbed measurements of a master sphere to improve the calibration of CGH-based Fizeau interferometers ultimately measuring aspheric test surfaces. The improvement in the calibration is a function of the interferometer error and the aspheric departure of the desired test surface. This calibration is most effective at reducing coma and trefoil from figure error or misalignments of the interferometer components. The enhanced calibration can reduce overall measurement uncertainty or allow the budgeted error contribution from another source to be increased. A single set of sphere measurements can be used to calculate calibration maps for closely related aspheres, including segmented primary mirrors for telescopes. A parametric model is developed and compared to the simulated calibration of a case study interferometer.

Photoacoustic projection imaging using an all-optical detector array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer-Marschallinger, J.; Felbermayer, K.; Berer, T.

2018-02-01

We present a prototype for all-optical photoacoustic projection imaging. By generating projection images, photoacoustic information of large volumes can be retrieved with less effort compared to common photoacoustic computed tomography where many detectors and/or multiple measurements are required. In our approach, an array of 60 integrating line detectors is used to acquire photoacoustic waves. The line detector array consists of fiber-optic MachZehnder interferometers, distributed on a cylindrical surface. From the measured variation of the optical path lengths of the interferometers, induced by photoacoustic waves, a photoacoustic projection image can be reconstructed. The resulting images represent the projection of the three-dimensional spatial light absorbance within the imaged object onto a two-dimensional plane, perpendicular to the line detector array. The fiber-optic detectors achieve a noise-equivalent pressure of 24 Pascal at a 10 MHz bandwidth. We present the operational principle, the structure of the array, and resulting images. The system can acquire high-resolution projection images of large volumes within a short period of time. Imaging large volumes at high frame rates facilitates monitoring of dynamic processes.

A second-generation liquid crystal phase-shifting point-diffraction interferometer employing structured substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, Kenneth L.; Adlesberger, Kathleen; Kolodzie, Benjamin; Myhre, Graham; Griffin, DeVon W.

2005-08-01

By design, point-diffraction interferometers are much less sensitive to environmental disturbances than dual-path interferometers, but, until very recently, have not been capable of phase shifting. The liquid crystal point-diffraction interferometer (LCPDI) utilizes a dye-doped, liquid crystal (LC) electro-optical device that functions as both the point-diffraction source and the phase-shifting element, yielding a phase-shifting diagnostic device that is significantly more compact and robust while using fewer optical elements than conventional dual-path interferometers. These attributes make the LCPDI of special interest for diagnostic applications in the scientific, commercial, military, and industrial sectors, where vibration insensitivity, power requirements, size, weight, and cost are critical issues. Until very recently, LCPDI devices have used a plastic microsphere embedded in the LC fluid layer as the point-diffraction source. The process for fabricating microsphere-based LCPDI devices is low-yield, labor-intensive, and very "hands-on" great care and skill are required to produce devices with adequate interference fringe contrast for diagnostic measurements. With the goal of evolving the LCPDI beyond the level of a laboratory prototype in mind, we have developed "second-generation" LCPDI devices in which the reference-diffracting elements are an integral part of the substrates by depositing a suitable optical material (vapor-deposited thin films or photoresist) directly onto the substrate surface. These "structured" substrates eliminate many of the assembly difficulties and performance limitations of current LCPDI devices as well as open the possibility of mass-producing LCPDI devices at low cost by the same processes used to manufacture commercial LC displays.

Distributed dual-parameter optical fiber sensor based on cascaded microfiber Fabry-Pérot interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Yang; Luo, Yiyang; Zhang, Wei; Liu, Deming; Sun, Qizhen

2017-04-01

We propose and demonstrate a distributed fiber sensor based on cascaded microfiber Fabry-Perot interferometers (MFPI) for simultaneous refractive index (SRI) and temperature measurement. By employing MFPI which is fabricated by taper-drawing the center of a uniform fiber Bragg grating (FBG) on standard fiber into a section of microfiber, dual parameters including SRI and temperature can be detected through demodulating the reflection spectrum of the MFPI. Further, wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) is applied to realize distributed dual-parameter fiber sensor by using cascaded MFPIs with different Bragg wavelengths. A prototype sensor system with 5 cascaded MFPIs is constructed to experimentally demonstrate the sensing performance.

Laser interferometric system for six-axis motion measurement.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhipeng; Menq, Chia-Hsiang

2007-08-01

This article presents the development of a precision laser interferometric system, which is designed to achieve six-axis motion measurement for real-time applications. By combining the advantage of the interferometer with a retroreflector and that of the interferometer with a plane mirror reflector, the system is capable of simultaneously measuring large transverse motions along and large rotational motions about three orthogonal axes. Based on optical path analysis along with the designed kinematics of the system, a closed form relationship between the six-axis motion parameters of the object being measured and the readings of the six laser interferometers is established. It can be employed as a real-time motion sensor for various six-axis motion control stages. A prototype is implemented and integrated with a six-axis magnetic levitation stage to illustrate its resolution and measurement range.

A prototype stationary Fourier transform spectrometer for near-infrared absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Li, Jinyang; Lu, Dan-feng; Qi, Zhi-mei

2015-09-01

A prototype stationary Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) was constructed with a fiber-coupled lithium niobate (LiNbO3) waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) for the purpose of rapid on-site spectroscopy of biological and chemical measurands. The MZI contains push-pull electrodes for electro-optic modulation, and its interferogram as a plot of intensity against voltage was obtained by scanning the modulating voltage from -60 to +60 V in 50 ms. The power spectrum of input signal was retrieved by Fourier transform processing of the interferogram combined with the wavelength dispersion of half-wave voltage determined for the MZI used. The prototype FTS operates in the single-mode wavelength range from 1200 to 1700 nm and allows for reproducible spectroscopy. A linear concentration dependence of the absorbance at λmax = 1451 nm for water in ethanolic solution was obtained using the prototype FTS. The near-infrared spectroscopy of solid samples was also implemented, and the different spectra obtained with different materials evidenced the chemical recognition capability of the prototype FTS. To make this prototype FTS practically applicable, work on improving its spectral resolution by increasing the maximum optical path length difference is in progress.

Multiorder etalon sounder (MOES) development and test for balloon experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hays, Paul B.; Wnag, Jinxue; Wu, Jian

1993-01-01

The Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI), with its high throughput and high spectral resolution has been used in the remote-sensing measurements of the earth's atmospheric composition, winds, and temperatures. The most recent satellite instruments include the Fabry-Perot interferometer flown on the Dynamics Explorer-2 (DE-2), the High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI), and the Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) flown on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). These instruments measure the Doppler line profiles of the emission and absorption of certain atmospheric species (such as atomic oxygen) in the visible and infrared spectral region. The successful space flight of DE-FPI, HRDI, and CLAES on UARS demonstrated the extremely high spectral resolution and ruggedness of the etalon system for the remote sensing of earth and planetary atmospheres. Recently, an innovative FPI focal plane detection technique called the Circle-to-Line Interferometer Optical (CLIO) system was invented at the Space Physics Research Laboratory. The CLIO simplifies the FPI focal plane detection process by converting the circular rings or fringes into a linear pattern similar to that produced by a conventional spectrometer, while retaining the throughput advantage of the etalon interferometer. The combination of FPI and CLIO allows the development of more sensitive Fabry-Perot interferometers in the infrared for the remote sensing of the lower atmospheres of Earth and possibly other planets. The Multiorder Etalon Sounder (MOES), a combination of the rugged etalon and the CLIO, compares very favorably to other space-borne optical instruments in terms of performance versus complexity. The new instrument is expected to be rugged, compact, and very suitable for an operational temperature and moisture sounder. With this technique, the contamination of radiance measurements by emissions of other gases is also minimized. At the Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL), the MOES concept and laboratory experiments were worked on for the past several years. Both theoretical studies and laboratory prototype experiments showed that MOES is very competitive compared with other high resolution sounders in terms of complexity and performance and has great potential as a compact and rugged high resolution atmospheric temperature and trace species sounder from the polar platform or the geostationary platform. The logical next step is to convert our laboratory prototype to a balloon instrument, so that field test of MOES can be carried out to prove the feasibility and capability of this new technology. Some of the activities related to the development of MOES for a possible balloon flight demonstration are described. Those research activities include the imaging quality study on the CLIO, the design and construction of a MOES laboratory prototype, the test and calibration of the MOES prototype, and the design of the balloon flight gondola.

Controlling kilometre-scale interferometric detectors for gravitational wave astronomy: Active phase noise cancellation using EOMs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnaud, N.; Balembois, L.; Bizouard, M. A.; Brisson, V.; Casanueva, J.; Cavalier, F.; Davier, M.; Frey, V.; Hello, P.; Huet, D.; Leroy, N.; Loriette, V.; Maksimovic, I.; Robinet, F.

2017-02-01

The second generation of Gravitational waves detectors are kilometric Michelson interferometers with additional recycling Fabry-Perot cavities on the arms and ​the addition of two more recycling cavities to enhance their sensitivity, with the particularity that all the mirrors are suspended. In order to control them a new technique, based on the use of auxiliary lasers, has been developed to bring the interferometer to its working point, with all the cavities on their resonance, in an adiabatic way. The implementation of this technique in Advanced Virgo is under preparation and the propagation of a stable laser through a 3-km optical fibre is one of the most problematic issues. A new technique of active phase noise cancellation based on the use of Electro Optical Modulators has been developed, and a first prototype has been successfully tested.

Theoferometer for the Construction of Precision Optomechanical Assemblies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korzun, Ashley M.

2006-01-01

The increasing difficulty of metrology requirements on projects involving optics and the alignment of instrumentation on spacecraft has reached a turning point. Requirements as low as 0.1 arcseconds for the static, rotational alignment of components within a coordinate system cannot be met with a theodolite, the alignment tool currently in use. A "theoferometer" is an interferometer mounted on a rotation stage with degrees of freedom in azimuth and elevation for metrology and alignment applications. The success of a prototype theoferometer in approaching these metrology requirements led to a redesign stressing mechanical, optical, and software changes to increase the sensitivity and portability of the unit. This paper covers the improvements made to the first prototype theoferometer, characteristic testing, and demonstration of the redesigned theoferometer s capabilities as a "theodolite replacement" and low-uncertainty metrology tool.

An Externally Dispersed Interferometer for Sensitive Doppler Extrasolar Planet Searches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Jian; Erskine, David J.; Rushford, Mike

2002-09-01

A new kind of instrument for sensitive Doppler extrasolar planet searches, called an externally dispersed interferometer, is described in this paper. It is a combination of an optical Michelson-type interferometer and an intermediate-resolution grating spectrometer. The interferometer measures Doppler radial velocity (RV) variations of starlight through the phase shifts of moiré fringes, created by multiplication of the interferometer fringes with stellar absorption lines. The intermediate-resolution spectrograph disperses the moiré fringes into thousands of parallel-wavelength channels. This increases the instrument bandwidth and fringe visibility by preventing fringe cross-talk between neighboring spectral lines. This results in a net increase in the signal-to-noise ratio over an interferometer used alone with broadband light. Compared to current echelle spectrometers for extrasolar planet searches, this instrument offers two unique instrument properties: a simple, stable, well-defined sinusoidal instrument response function (point-spread function) and magnification of Doppler motion through moiré fringe techniques. Since instrument noise is chiefly limited by the ability to characterize the instrument response, this new technique provides unprecedented low instrumental noise in an economical compact apparatus, enabling higher precision for Doppler RV measurements. In practice, the moiré magnification can be 5-10 times depending on the interferometer comb angle. This instrument has better sensitivity for smaller Doppler shifts than echelle spectrometers. The instrument can be designed with much lower spectral resolving power without losing Doppler sensitivity and optimized for higher throughput than echelle spectrometers to allow a potential survey for planets around fainter stars than current magnitude limits. Lab-based experiments with a prototype instrument with a spectral resolution of R~20,000 demonstrated ~0.7 m s-1 precision for short-term RV measurements. A fiber-fed version of the prototype with R~5600 was tested with starlight at the Lick 1 m telescope and demonstrated ~7 m s-1 RV precision at 340 Å bandwidth. The increased velocity noise is attributed to the lower spectral resolution, lower fringe visibility, and uncontrolled instrument environment.

Micromachined array tip for multifocus fiber-based optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Yang, Victor X D; Munce, Nigel; Pekar, Julius; Gordon, Maggie L; Lo, Stewart; Marcon, Norman E; Wilson, Brian C; Vitkin, I Alex

2004-08-01

High-resolution optical coherence tomography demands a large detector bandwidth and a high numerical aperture for real-time imaging, which is difficult to achieve over a large imaging depth. To resolve these conflicting requirements we propose a novel multifocus fiber-based optical coherence tomography system with a micromachined array tip. We demonstrate the fabrication of a prototype four-channel tip that maintains a 9-14-microm spot diameter with more than 500 microm of imaging depth. Images of a resolution target and a human tooth were obtained with this tip by use of a four-channel cascaded Michelson fiber-optic interferometer, scanned simultaneously at 8 kHz with geometric power distribution across the four channels.

A Fiber-Optic Sensor for Leak Detection in a Space Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sinko, John E.; Korman, Valentin; Hendrickson, Adam; Polzin, Kurt A.

2009-01-01

A miniature fiber-optic, laser-based, interferometric leak detector is presented for application as a means to detect on-orbit gas leaks. The sensor employs a fiber-coupled modified Michelson interferometer to detect gas leaks by measuring an increase in gas density in the sensing region. Monitoring changes in the fringe pattern output by the interferometer allows for direct measurement of the gas density in the sensing region and, under the assumption of an equation of state, this can be used to obtain a pressure measurement. Measurements obtained over a pressure range from 20 mtorr to 760 torr using a prototypical interferometer on working gases of air, nitrogen, argon, and helium generally exhibit agreement with a theoretical prediction of the pressure increase required before an interference fringe completely moves over the detector. Additional measurements performed on various gases demonstrate the range of detectable species, measuring sub-torr pressure changes in the process. A high-fidelity measurement places the ultimate pressure resolution for this particular sensor configuration in the 10 mtorr range. Time-resolved data prove the capability of this sensor to detect fast gas flow phenomena associated with transients and pressure waves.

Optical Sensors Based on Single Arm Thin Film Waveguide Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarkisov, Sergey S.

1997-01-01

All the goals of the research effort for the first year were met by the accomplishments. Additional efforts were done to speed up the process of development and construction of the experimental gas chamber which will be completed by the end of 1997. This chamber incorporates vacuum sealed multimode optical fiber lines which connect the sensor to the remote light source and signal processing equipment. This optical fiber line is a prototype of actual optical communication links connecting real sensors to a control unit within an aircraft or spacecraft. An important problem which we are planning to focus on during the second year is coupling of optical fiber line to the sensor. Currently this problem is solved using focusing optics and prism couplers. More reliable solutions are planned to be investigated.

Development Towards a Space Qualified Laser Stabilization System in Support of Space-Based Optical Interferometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seidel, David J.; Dubovitsky, Serge

2000-01-01

We report on the development, functional performance and space-qualification status of a laser stabilization system supporting a space-based metrology source used to measure changes in optical path lengths in space-based stellar interferometers. The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) and Deep Space 3 (DS-3) are two missions currently funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that are space-based optical interferometers. In order to properly recombine the starlight received at each telescope of the interferometer it is necessary to perform high resolution laser metrology to stabilize the interferometer. A potentially significant error source in performing high resolution metrology length measurements is the potential for fluctuations in the laser gauge itself. If the laser frequency or wavelength is changing over time it will be misinterpreted as a length change in one of the legs of the interferometer. An analysis of the frequency stability requirement for SIM resulted in a fractional frequency stability requirement of square root (S(sub y)(f)) = <2 x 10(exp -12)/square root(Hz) at Fourier frequencies between 10 Hz and 1000 Hz. The DS-3 mission stability requirement is further increased to square root (S(sub y)(f)) = <5 x 10(exp -14)/Square root(Hz) at Fourier frequencies between 0.2 Hz and 10 kHz with a goal of extending the low frequency range to 0.05 Hz. The free running performance of the Lightwave Electronics NPRO lasers, which are the baseline laser for both SIM and DS-3 vary in stability and we have measured them to perform as follows (9 x l0(exp -11)/ f(Hz))(Hz)/square root(Hz)) = <( square root (S(sub y)(f)) = <(1.3 x l0(exp -8)/ f(Hz))/Square root(Hz). In order to improve the frequency stability of the laser we stabilize the laser to a high finesse optical cavity by locking the optical frequency of the laser to one of the transmission modes of the cavity. At JPL we have built a prototype space-qualifiable system meeting the stability requirements of SIM, which has been delivered to one of the SIM testbeds. We have also started on the development of a system to meet the stability needs of DS-3.

In-Line Fiber Optic Interferometric Sensors in Single-Mode Fibers

PubMed Central

Zhu, Tao; Wu, Di; Liu, Min; Duan, De-Wen

2012-01-01

In-line fiber optic interferometers have attracted intensive attention for their potential sensing applications in refractive index, temperature, pressure and strain measurement, etc. Typical in-line fiber-optic interferometers are of two types: Fabry-Perot interferometers and core-cladding-mode interferometers. It's known that the in-line fiber optic interferometers based on single-mode fibers can exhibit compact structures, easy fabrication and low cost. In this paper, we review two kinds of typical in-line fiber optic interferometers formed in single-mode fibers fabricated with different post-processing techniques. Also, some recently reported specific technologies for fabricating such fiber optic interferometers are presented. PMID:23112608

Characterization of a piezo bendable X-ray mirror.

PubMed

Vannoni, Maurizio; Freijo Martín, Idoia; Siewert, Frank; Signorato, Riccardo; Yang, Fan; Sinn, Harald

2016-01-01

A full-scale piezo bendable mirror built as a prototype for an offset mirror at the European XFEL is characterized. The piezo ceramic elements are glued onto the mirror substrate, side-face on with respect to the reflecting surface. Using a nanometre optical component measuring machine and a large-aperture Fizeau interferometer, the mirror profile and influence functions were characterized, and further analysis was made to investigate the junction effect, hysteresis, twisting and reproducibility.

Design and first plasma measurements of the ITER-ECE prototype radiometer.

PubMed

Austin, M E; Brookman, M W; Rowan, W L; Danani, S; Bryerton, E W; Dougherty, P

2016-11-01

On ITER, second harmonic optically thick electron cyclotron emission (ECE) in the range of 220-340 GHz will supply the electron temperature (T e ). To investigate the requirements and capabilities prescribed for the ITER system, a prototype radiometer covering this frequency range has been developed by Virginia Diodes, Inc. The first plasma measurements with this instrument have been carried out on the DIII-D tokamak, with lab bench tests and measurements of third through fifth harmonic ECE from high T e plasmas. At DIII-D the instrument shares the transmission line of the Michelson interferometer and can simultaneously acquire data. Comparison of the ECE radiation temperature from the absolutely calibrated Michelson and the prototype receiver shows that the ITER radiometer provides accurate measurements of the millimeter radiation across the instrument band.

The early history of the closed loop fiber optic gyro and derivative sensors at McDonnell Douglas, Blue Road Research and Columbia Gorge Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Udd, Eric

2016-05-01

On September 29, 1977 the first written disclosure of a closed loop fiber optic gyro was witnessed and signed off by four people at McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company in Huntington Beach, California. Over the next ten years a breadboard demonstration unit, and several prototypes were built. In 1987 the fundamental patent for closed loop operation began a McDonnell Douglas worldwide licensing process. Internal fiber optic efforts were redirected to derivative sensors and inventions. This included development of acoustic, strain and distributed sensors as well as a Sagnac interferometer based secure fiber optic communication system and the new field of fiber optic smart structures. This paper provides an overview of these activities and transitions.

A laser spectrometer and wavemeter for pulsed lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckay, J. A.; Laufer, P. M.; Cotnoir, L. J.

1989-01-01

The design, construction, calibration, and evaluation of a pulsed laser wavemeter and spectral analyzer are described. This instrument, called the Laserscope for its oscilloscope-like display of laser spectral structure, was delivered to NASA Langley Research Center as a prototype of a laboratory instrument. The key component is a multibeam Fizeau wedge interferometer, providing high (0.2 pm) spectral resolution and a linear dispersion of spectral information, ideally suited to linear array photodiode detectors. Even operating alone, with the classic order-number ambiguity of interferometers unresolved, this optical element will provide a fast, real-time display of the spectral structure of a laser output. If precise wavelength information is also desired then additional stages must be provided to obtain a wavelength measurement within the order-number uncertainty, i.e., within the free spectral range of the Fizeau wedge interferometer. A Snyder (single-beam Fizeau) wedge is included to provide this initial wavelength measurement. Difficulties in achieving the required wide-spectrum calibration limit the usefulness of this function.

Design and first plasma measurements of the ITER-ECE prototype radiometer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Austin, M. E.; Brookman, M. W.; Rowan, W. L.

2016-11-15

On ITER, second harmonic optically thick electron cyclotron emission (ECE) in the range of 220-340 GHz will supply the electron temperature (T{sub e}). To investigate the requirements and capabilities prescribed for the ITER system, a prototype radiometer covering this frequency range has been developed by Virginia Diodes, Inc. The first plasma measurements with this instrument have been carried out on the DIII-D tokamak, with lab bench tests and measurements of third through fifth harmonic ECE from high T{sub e} plasmas. At DIII-D the instrument shares the transmission line of the Michelson interferometer and can simultaneously acquire data. Comparison of themore » ECE radiation temperature from the absolutely calibrated Michelson and the prototype receiver shows that the ITER radiometer provides accurate measurements of the millimeter radiation across the instrument band.« less

Simple and accurate wavemeter implemented with a polarization interferometer.

PubMed

Dimmick, T E

1997-12-20

A simple and accurate wavemeter for measuring the wavelength of monochromatic light is described. The device uses the wavelength-dependent phase lag between principal polarization states of a length of birefringent material (retarder) as the basis for the measurement of the optical wavelength. The retarder is sandwiched between a polarizer and a polarizing beam splitter and is oriented such that its principal axes are 45 deg to the axis of the polarizer and the principal axes of the beam splitter. As a result of the disparity in propagation velocities between the principal polarization states of the retarder, the ratio of the optical power exiting the two ports of the polarizing beam splitter is wavelength dependent. If the input wavelength is known to be within a specified range, the measurement of the power ratio uniquely determines the input wavelength. The device offers the advantage of trading wavelength coverage for increased resolution simply through the choice of the retarder length. Implementations of the device employing both bulk-optic components and fiber-optic components are described, and the results of a laboratory test of a fiber-optic prototype are presented. The prototype had a wavelength accuracy of +/-0.03 nm.

Demonstration of sub-picometer length measurements and sub-nanoradian angular read-out in the millihertz-frequency range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diekmann, Christian; Troebs, Michael; Steier, Frank; Bykov, Iouri; Heinzel, Gerhard; Danzmann, Karsten

The space-based interferometric gravitational-wave detector Laser Interferometer Space An-tenna (LISA) requires interferometry with subpicometer and nanoradian sensitivity in the fre-quency range between 3 mHz and 1 Hz. Currently, a first prototype of the optical bench for LISA is being designed. We report on a pre-experiment with the aim to demonstrate the required sensitivities and to thoroughly characterise the equipment. For this purpose, a quasi-monolithic optical setup has been built with two Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZI) on an optical bench made of zerodur. In a first step the relative length change between these two MZI will be measured with a heterodyne modulation scheme in the kHz-range and the angle between two laser beams will be read out via quadrant photodiodes and a technique called differential wavefront sensing. These techniques have already been used for the LISA prede-cessor mission LISA Pathfinder and their sensitivity needs to be further improved to fulfill the requirements of the LISA mission. We describe the experiment and the characterization of the basic components. Measurements of the length and angular noise will be presented.

The Mount Wilson optical interferometer: The first automated instrument and the prospects for lunar interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Ken J.; Mozurkewich, D.; Simon, R. S.; Shao, Michael; Colavita, M.

1992-01-01

Before contemplating an optical interferometer on the Moon one must first review the accomplishments achieved by this technology in scientific applications for astronomy. This will be done by presenting the technical status of optical interferometry as achieved by the Mount Wilson Optical Interferometer. The further developments needed for a future lunar-based interferometer are discussed.

Optical fiber voltage sensor based on Michelsion interferometer using Fabry-Perot demodulation interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xinwei; He, Shengnan; Li, Dandan; Wang, Kai; Fan, Yan'en; Wu, Shuai

2014-11-01

We present an optical fiber voltage sensor by Michelsion interferometer (MI) employing a Fabry-Perot (F-P) interferometer and the DC phase tracking (DCPT) signal processing method. By mounting a MI fabricated by an optical fiber coupler on a piezoelectric (PZT) transducer bar, a dynamic strain would be generated to change the optical path difference (OPD) of the interferometer when the measured voltage was applied on the PZT. Applying an F-P interferometer to demodulate the optical intensity variation output of the MI, the voltage can be obtained. The experiment results show that the relationship between the optical intensity variation and the voltage applied on the PZT is approximately linear. Furthermore, the phase generate carrier (PGC) algorithm was applied to demodulate the output of the sensor also.

Study of the second-order relativistic light deflection of the Sun using long-baseline fibre-linked interferometers: Laser-Interferometric Solar Relativity (LISOR) test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ni, Wei-Tou; Shy, Jow-Tsong; Tseng, Shiao-Min; Shao, Michael

1992-01-01

A propasal to study the second order light deflection in the solar gravitational field is presented. It is proposed to use 1 to 2 W frequency stabilized lasers on two microspacecraft about 0.25 degree apart in the sky with apparent positions near the Sun, and observe the relative angle of two spacecraft using ground based fiber linked interferometers with 10 km baseline to determine the second order relativistic light deflection effects. The first two years of work would emphasize the establishment of a prototype stabilized laser system and fiber linked interferometer. The first year, a prototype fiber linked interferometer would be set up to study the phase noise produced by external perturbations to fiber links. The second year, a second interferometer would be set up. The cancellation of phase drift due to fiber links of both interferometers in the same environment would be investigated.

Single-Arm Double-Mode Double-Order Planar Waveguide Interferometric Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarkisov, Sergey S.

2000-01-01

We have met the goals stated in section one for the project. We have demonstrated the feasibility of a single-arm double-mode double-order waveguide interferometer as a cost efficient alternative to an optical chemical sensor. Experimental prototype was built as a dye-doped polymer waveguide with propagating modes of orders <<0>> and <<1>> of the same TM polarization. The prototype demonstrated sensitivity to ammonia of the order of 200 ppm per one full oscillation of the signal. Sensor based on polyimide doped with BCP can operate at elevated temperature up to 150 C. Upon the future funding, we are planning to optimize the light source, material and the design in order to achieve sensitivity of the order of 1 ppm per full oscillations.

Near-Infrared Keck Interferometer and IOTA Closure Phase Observations of Wolf-Rayet stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajagopal, J.; Wallace, D.; Barry, R.; Richardson, L. J.; Traub, W.; Danchi, W. C.

We present first results from observations of a small sample of IR-bright Wolf-Rayet stars with the Keck Interferometer in the near-infrared, and with the IONIC beam three-telescope beam combiner at the Infrared and Optical Telescope Array (IOTA) observatory. The former results were obtained as part of shared-risk observations in commissioning the Keck Interferometer and form a subset of a high-resolution study of dust around Wolf-Rayet stars using multiple interferometers in progress in our group. The latter results are the first closure phase observations of these stars in the near-infrared in a separated telescope interferometer. Earlier aperture-masking observations with the Keck-I telescope provide strong evidence that dust-formation in late-type WC stars are a result of wind-wind collision in short-period binaries.Our program with the Keck interferometer seeks to further examine this paradigm at much higher resolution. We have spatially resolved the binary in the prototypical dusty WC type star WR 140. WR 137, another episodic dust-producing star, has been partially resolved for the first time, providing the first direct clue to its possible binary nature.We also include WN stars in our sample to investigate circumstellar dust in this other main sub-type of WRs. We have been unable to resolve any of these, indicating a lack of extended dust.Complementary observations using the MIDI instrument on the VLTI in the mid-infrared are presented in another contribution to this workshop.

Design and first plasma measurements of the ITER-ECE prototype radiometer

DOE PAGES

Austin, M. E.; Brookman, M. W.; Rowan, W. L.; ...

2016-08-09

On ITER, second harmonic optically thick electron cyclotron emission (ECE) in the range of 220-340 GHz will supply the electron temperature (T e). In order to investigate the requirements and capabilities prescribed for the ITER system, a prototype radiometer covering this frequency range has been developed by Virginia Diodes, Inc. The first plasma measurements with this instrument have been carried out on the DIII-D tokamak, with lab bench tests and measurements of third through fifth harmonic ECE from high T e plasmas. At DIII-D the instrument shares the transmission line of the Michelson interferometer and can simultaneously acquire data. Inmore » our comparison of the ECE radiation temperature from the absolutely calibrated Michelson and the prototype receiver we show that the ITER radiometer provides accurate measurements of the millimeter radiation across the instrument band.« less

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS. OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Fiber-optic interferometers: control of spectral composition of the radiation and formation of high-intensity optical pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulushev, A. G.; Dianov, Evgenii M.; Kuznetsov, A. V.; Okhotnikov, O. G.; Paramonov, Vladimir M.; Tsarev, Vladimir A.

1990-05-01

A study was made of the use of single-mode fiber ring interferometers in narrowing the emission lines of semiconductor lasers and increasing the optical radiation power. Efficient coupling of radiation, emitted by a multifrequency injection laser with an external resonator, into a fiber ring interferometer was achieved both under cw and mode-locking conditions. Matching of the optical lengths of the external resonator and the fiber interferometer made it possible to determine the mode width for this laser. A method for generation of optical pulses in a fiber ring interferometer from cw frequency modulated radiation was developed.

Detection, Evaluation, and Optimization of Optical Signals Generated by Fiber Optic Bragg Gratings Under Dynamic Excitations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamovsky, Grigory; Lekki, John; Lock, James A.

2002-01-01

The dynamic response of a fiber optic Bragg grating to mechanical vibrations is examined both theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical expressions describing the consequences of changes in the grating's reflection spectrum are derived for partially coherent beams in an interferometer. The analysis is given in terms of the dominant wavelength, optical bandwidth, and optical path difference of the interfering signals. Changes in the reflection spectrum caused by a periodic stretching and compression of the grating were experimentally measured using an unbalanced Michelson interferometer, a Michelson interferometer with a non-zero optical path difference. The interferometer's sensitivity to changes in dominant wavelength of the interfering beams was measured as a function of interferometer unbalance and was compared to theoretical predictions. The theoretical analysis enables the user to determine the optimum performance for an unbalanced interferometer.

Integrated optics prototype beam combiner for long baseline interferometry in the L and M bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tepper, J.; Labadie, L.; Diener, R.; Minardi, S.; Pott, J.-U.; Thomson, R.; Nolte, S.

2017-06-01

Context. Optical long baseline interferometry is a unique way to study astronomical objects at milli-arcsecond resolutions not attainable with current single-dish telescopes. Yet, the significance of its scientfic return strongly depends on a dense coverage of the uv-plane and a highly stable transfer function of the interferometric instrument. In the last few years, integrated optics (IO) beam combiners have facilitated the emergence of 4-telescope interferometers such as PIONIER or GRAVITY, boosting the imaging capabilities of the VLTI. However, the spectral range beyond 2.2 μm is not ideally covered by the conventional silica based IO. Here, we consider new laser-written IO prototypes made of gallium lanthanum sulfide (GLS) glass, a material that permits access to the mid-infrared spectral regime. Aims: Our goal is to conduct a full characterization of our mid-IR IO two-telescope coupler in order to measure the performance levels directly relevant for long-baseline interferometry. We focus in particular on the exploitation of the L and M astronomical bands. Methods: We use a dedicated Michelson-interferometer setup to perform Fourier transform spectroscopy on the coupler and measure its broadband interferometric performance. We also analyze the polarization properties of the coupler, the differential dispersion and phase degradation, as well as the modal behavior and the total throughput. Results: We measure broadband interferometric contrasts of 94.9% and 92.1% for unpolarized light in the L and M bands. Spectrally integrated splitting ratios are close to 50%, but show chromatic dependence over the considered bandwidths. Additionally, the phase variation due to the combiner is measured and does not exceed 0.04 rad and 0.07 rad across the L and M band, respectively. The total throughput of the coupler including Fresnel and injection losses from free-space is 25.4%. Furthermore, differential birefringence is low (<0.2 rad), in line with the high contrasts reported for unpolarized light. Conclusions: The laser-written IO GLS prototype combiners prove to be a reliable technological solution with promising performance for mid-infrared long-baseline interferometry. In the next steps, we will consider more advanced optical functions, as well as a fiber-fed input, and we will revise the optical design parameters in order to further enhance the total throughput and achromatic behavior.

Optical system and method for gas detection and monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A. (Inventor); Sinko, John Elihu (Inventor); Korman, Valentin (Inventor); Witherow, William K. (Inventor); Hendrickson, Adam Gail (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A free-space optical path of an optical interferometer is disposed in an environment of interest. A light beam is guided to the optical interferometer using a single-mode optical fiber. The light beam traverses the interferometer's optical path. The light beam guided to the optical path is combined with the light beam at the end of the optical path to define an output light. A temporal history of the output light is recorded.

Quantum Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dowling, Jonathan P.

2000-01-01

Recently, several researchers, including yours truly, have been able to demonstrate theoretically that quantum photon entanglement has the potential to also revolutionize the entire field of optical interferometry, by providing many orders of magnitude improvement in interferometer sensitivity. The quantum entangled photon interferometer approach is very general and applies to many types of interferometers. In particular, without nonlocal entanglement, a generic classical interferometer has a statistical-sampling shot-noise limited sensitivity that scales like 1/Sqrt[N], where N is the number of particles (photons, electrons, atoms, neutrons) passing through the interferometer per unit time. However, if carefully prepared quantum correlations are engineered between the particles, then the interferometer sensitivity improves by a factor of Sqrt[N] (square root of N) to scale like 1/N, which is the limit imposed by the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. For optical (laser) interferometers operating at milliwatts of optical power, this quantum sensitivity boost corresponds to an eight-order-of-magnitude improvement of signal to noise. Applications are to tests of General Relativity such as ground and orbiting optical interferometers for gravity wave detection, Laser Interferometer Gravity Observatory (LIGO) and the European Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), respectively.

Optically guided atom interferometer tuned to magic wavelength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akatsuka, Tomoya; Takahashi, Tadahiro; Katori, Hidetoshi

2017-11-01

We demonstrate an atom interferometer operating on the 1S0-3P0 clock transition of 87Sr atoms in a “magic” optical guide, where the light shift perturbations of the guiding potential are canceled. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer is set horizontally to map the acceleration introduced by the focused optical guide. This magic guide interferometer on the clock transition is applicable to atomic elements where magic wavelengths can be found. Possible applications of the magic guide interferometer, including a hollow-core fiber interferometer and gradiometer, are discussed.

Multi-Axis Heterodyne Interferometry (MAHI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thorpe, James

The detection and measurement of gravitational waves represents humanity’s next, and final, opportunity to open an entirely new spectrum with which to view the universe. The first steps of this process will likely take place later this decade when the second-generation ground-based instruments such as Advanced LIGO approach design sensitivity. While these events will be historic, it will take a space-based detector to access the milliHertz gravitational wave frequency band, a band that is rich in both number and variety of sources. The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) concept has been developed over the past two decades in the US and Europe to provide access to this band. The European Space Agency recently selected The Gravitational Universe as the science theme for the 3rd Large-class mission in the Cosmic Visions Programme, with the assumption that a LISA-like instrument would be implemented for launch in 2034. NASA has expressed interest in partnering on this effort and the US community has made its own judgment on the scientific potential of a space-based gravitational wave observatory through the selection of LISA as the 3rd flagship mission in the 2010 Decadal Survey. Much of the effort has been in retiring risk for the unique technologies that comprise a gravitational wave detector. A prime focus of this effort is LISA Pathfinder (LPF), a dedicated technology demonstrator mission led by ESA with contributions from NASA and several member states. LPF’s primary objective is to validate drag-free flight as an approach to realizing an inertial reference mass. Along the way, several important technologies will be demonstrated, including picometer-level heterodyne interferometry. However, there are several important differences between the interferometry design for LISA and that for LPF. These mostly result from the fact that LISA interferometry involves multiple lasers on separate spacecraft whereas LPF can use a single laser on a single spacecraft. We propose to develop a laboratory prototype of a LISA-like interferometric metrology system capable of simultaneously making picometer-level position and nanoradian-level attitude measurements of a free-flying target. In the LISA application, this prototype would represent the short-arm interferometer, measuring the displacement and relative attitude between the gravitational test mass and the spacecraft. This measurement is used both to drive the drag-free attitude and control system as well as to extract the gravitational wave science signal. In addition to the LISA application, such a system would have broader applications in future geodesy and formation-flying missions. The prototype free-flying metrology system will consist of the following subcomponents: an optical bench providing stable pathlengths, an optical target mounted on a precision actuator, a low-noise quadrant photoreceiver for generating differential wavefront signals, and a phase measurement system to measure the individual heterodyne signals and convert them into quantities such as position and angle. In addition to the moving target, the optical bench will include a pair of fixed targets to be used as references. Comparing the two reference interferometers will provide an estimate of the noise performance of the measurement system, while comparing a reference interferometer with the free-flying target will allow us to demonstrate measurement over a large dynamic range. In addition to making performance measurements, we will use this prototype system to explore a number of system-level issues related to free-flying interferometry including initial acquisition, beam-walk effects, and jitter couplings.

A heterodyne interferometer with periodic nonlinearities smaller than ±10 pm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weichert, C.; Köchert, P.; Köning, R.; Flügge, J.; Andreas, B.; Kuetgens, U.; Yacoot, A.

2012-09-01

The PTB developed a new optical heterodyne interferometer in the context of the European joint research project ‘Nanotrace’. A new optical concept using plane-parallel plates and spatially separated input beams to minimize the periodic nonlinearities was realized. Furthermore, the interferometer has the resolution of a double-path interferometer, compensates for possible angle variations between the mirrors and the interferometer optics and offers a minimal path difference between the reference and the measurement arm. Additionally, a new heterodyne phase evaluation based on an analogue to digital converter board with embedded field programmable gate arrays was developed, providing a high-resolving capability in the single-digit picometre range. The nonlinearities were characterized by a comparison with an x-ray interferometer, over a measurement range of 2.2 periods of the optical interferometer. Assuming an error-free x-ray interferometer, the nonlinearities are considered to be the deviation of the measured displacement from a best-fit line. For the proposed interferometer, nonlinearities smaller than ±10 pm were observed without any quadrature fringe correction.

The use of x-ray interferometry to investigate the linearity of the NPL Differential Plane Mirror Optical Interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yacoot, Andrew; Downs, Michael J.

2000-08-01

The x-ray interferometer from the combined optical and x-ray interferometer (COXI) facility at NPL has been used to investigate the performance of the NPL Jamin Differential Plane Mirror Interferometer when it is fitted with stabilized and unstabilized lasers. This Jamin interferometer employs a common path design using a double pass configuration and one fringe is realized by a displacement of 158 nm between its two plane mirror retroreflectors. Displacements over ranges of several optical fringes were measured simultaneously using the COXI x-ray interferometer and the Jamin interferometer and the results were compared. In order to realize the highest measurement accuracy from the Jamin interferometer, the air paths were shielded to prevent effects from air turbulence and electrical signals generated by the photodetectors were analysed and corrected using an optimizing routine in order to subdivide the optical fringes accurately. When an unstabilized laser was used the maximum peak-to-peak difference between the two interferometers was 80 pm, compared with 20 pm when the stabilized laser was used.

A high sensitivity heterodyne interferometer as a possible optical readout for the LISA gravitational reference sensor and its application to technology verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gohlke, Martin; Schuldt, Thilo; Weise, Dennis; Cordero, Jorge; Peters, Achim; Johann, Ulrich; Braxmaier, Claus

2017-11-01

The gravitational wave detector LISA utilizes as current baseline a high sensitivity Optical Readout (ORO) for measuring the relative position and tilt of a free flying proof mass with respect to the satellite housing. The required sensitivities in the frequency band from 30 μHz to 1Hz are ˜ pm/ √ Hz for the translation√ and nrad/√ Hz for the tilt measurement. EADS Astrium, in collaboration with the Humboldt University Berlin and the University of Applied Sciences Konstanz, has realized a prototype ORO over the past years. The interferometer is based on a highly symmetric design where both, measurement and reference beam have a similar optical pathlength, and the same frequency and polarization. The technique of differential wavefront sensing (DWS) for tilt measurement is implemented. With our setup noise levels below 5pm/ √Hz for translation and below 10nrad/ √Hz for tilt measurements - both for frequencies above 10mHz - were demonstrated. We give an overview over the experimental setup, its current performance and the planned improvements. We also discuss the application to first verification of critical LISA aspects. As example we present measurements of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of various carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) including a "near-zero-CTE" tube.

Comparison of the performance of the next generation of optical interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pisani, Marco; Yacoot, Andrew; Balling, Petr; Bancone, Nicola; Birlikseven, Cengiz; Çelik, Mehmet; Flügge, Jens; Hamid, Ramiz; Köchert, Paul; Kren, Petr; Kuetgens, Ulrich; Lassila, Antti; Bartolo Picotto, Gian; Şahin, Ersoy; Seppä, Jeremias; Tedaldi, Matthew; Weichert, Christoph

2012-08-01

Six European National Measurement Institutes (NMIs) have joined forces within the European Metrology Research Programme funded project NANOTRACE to develop the next generation of optical interferometers having a target uncertainty of 10 pm. These are needed for NMIs to provide improved traceable dimensional metrology that can be disseminated to the wider nanotechnology community, thereby supporting the growth in nanotechnology. Several approaches were followed in order to develop the interferometers. This paper briefly describes the different interferometers developed by the various partners and presents the results of a comparison of performance of the optical interferometers using an x-ray interferometer to generate traceable reference displacements.

Thermal effects in the Input Optics of the Enhanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory interferometers.

PubMed

Dooley, Katherine L; Arain, Muzammil A; Feldbaum, David; Frolov, Valery V; Heintze, Matthew; Hoak, Daniel; Khazanov, Efim A; Lucianetti, Antonio; Martin, Rodica M; Mueller, Guido; Palashov, Oleg; Quetschke, Volker; Reitze, David H; Savage, R L; Tanner, D B; Williams, Luke F; Wu, Wan

2012-03-01

We present the design and performance of the LIGO Input Optics subsystem as implemented for the sixth science run of the LIGO interferometers. The Initial LIGO Input Optics experienced thermal side effects when operating with 7 W input power. We designed, built, and implemented improved versions of the Input Optics for Enhanced LIGO, an incremental upgrade to the Initial LIGO interferometers, designed to run with 30 W input power. At four times the power of Initial LIGO, the Enhanced LIGO Input Optics demonstrated improved performance including better optical isolation, less thermal drift, minimal thermal lensing, and higher optical efficiency. The success of the Input Optics design fosters confidence for its ability to perform well in Advanced LIGO.

Study of the optical crosstalk in a heterodyne displacement gauge with cancelable circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donazzan, Alberto; Naletto, Giampiero; Pelizzo, Maria G.

2017-06-01

One main focus of high precision heterodyne displacement interferometers are the means of splitting and merging for the reference (R) and measurement (M) beams when a cancelable circuit is implemented. Optical mixing of R and M gives birth to a systematc error called cyclic error, which appears as a periodic offset between the detected displacement and the actual one. A simple derivation of the cyclic error due to optical mixing is proposed for the cancelable circuit design. R and M beatings are collected by two photodiodes and conveniently converted by transimpedance amplifiers, such that the output signals are turned into ac-coupled voltages. The detected phase can be calculated as a function of the real phase (a change in optical path difference) in the case of zero-crossing detection. What turns out is a cyclic non-linearity which depends on the actual phase and on the amount of optical power leakage from the R channel into the M channel and vice versa. We then applied this result to the prototype of displacement gauge we are developing, which implements the cancelable circuit design with wavefront division. The splitting between R and M is done with a double coated mirror with a central hole, tilted by 45° with respect to the surface normal. The interferometer features two removable diffraction masks, respectively located before the merging point (a circular obscuration) and before the recombination point (a ring obscuration). In order to predict the extent of optical mixing between R and M, the whole layout was simulated by means of the Zemax ® Physical Optics Propagation (POP) tool. After the model of our setup was built and qualitatively verified, we proceeded by calculating the amount of optical leakages in various configurations: with and without the diffraction masks as well as for different sizes of both the holey mirror and the diffraction masks. The corrisponding maximum displacement error was then calculated for every configuration thanks to the previously derived formula. The insertion and optimization of the diffraction masks greatly improved the expected optical isolation inside the system. Data acquisition from our displacement gauge has just started. We plan to experimentally verify such results as soon as our prototype gauge will reach the desired sub-nanometer sensitivity.

SU-E-T-410: Fringe Stability and Phase Shift Measurements in a Michelson Interferometer for Optical Calorimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flores-Martinez, E; Malin, M; DeWerd, L

2014-06-01

Purpose: To identify the variables limiting the resolution of a Michelson interferometer used to measure phase shifts (PS) in water as part of a radiometric calorimeter. Methods: We investigated the output stability of a He-Ne laser and a laser diode. The short and long term stability of the fringe pattern in a Michelson interferometer was tested with different types of lasers, thermal insulation arrangements, damping systems and optical mounts to optimize system performance. PS were induced by electrically heating water in a 1 cm quartz cuvette located in one of the interferometer arms. The PS was calculated from fringe intensitymore » changes and compared to a calculated PS using thermocouple-measured temperature changes in the water. Results: The intensity of the laser diode is more stable, but the gas laser’s profile is more suitable for fringe analysis and has better temporal coherence. The laser requires a warm-up time of 4 hours before its output is stabilized (SNR>95). The fringe’s stability strongly depends on the thermal insulation. When the interferometer is exposed to ambient temperature swings of 0.7 K, it is not possible to stabilize the fringe pattern. Enclosing the system in a 2.5 cm-thick Styrofoam box improves the SNR, but further insulation will be needed to increase the SNR above 50. High frequency noise is significantly reduced by damping the system.Inducing a temperature rise in water, starting at 299 K, the average temperature increase for a 2π PS is 0.29 ± 0.02 K and the proportionality constant is -21.1 ± 0.8 radians/K. This is 5.8% lower than the calculated value using the thermocouple. Conclusion: Interferometric PS measurements of temperature may provide an alternative to thermistors for water calorimetry. The resolution of the current prototype is limited by ambient temperature stability. Calculated and measured thermally-induced PS in water agreed to within 5.8%.« less

The prototype design of most powerful exoplanet tracker based on LAMOST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kai; Zhu, Yongtian; Wang, Lei

2010-07-01

Chinese national science project-LAMOST successfully received its official blessing in June, 2009. Its aperture is about 4m, and its focal plane of 1.75m in diameter, corresponding to a 5° field of view, can accommodate as many as 4000 optical fibers, and feed 16 multi-object low-medium resolution spectrometers (LRS). In addition, a new technique called External Dispersed Interferometry (EDI) is successfully used to enhance the accuracy of radial velocity measurement by heterodyning an interference spectrum with absorption lines. For further enhancing the survey power of LAMOST, a major astronomical project, Multi-object Exoplanet Survey System (MESS) based on this advanced technique, is being developed by Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology (NIAOT) and National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC), and funded by Joint Fund of Astronomy, which is set up by National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (NSFC) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). This system is composed of a multi-object fixed delay Michelson interferometer (FDMI) and a multi-object medium resolution spectrometer (R=5000). In this paper, a prototype design of FDMI is given, including optical system and mechanical structure.

Optical Autocovariance Wind Lidar (OAWL): aircraft test-flight history and current plans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tucker, Sara C.; Weimer, Carl; Adkins, Mike; Delker, Tom; Gleeson, David; Kaptchen, Paul; Good, Bill; Kaplan, Mike; Applegate, Jeff; Taudien, Glenn

2015-09-01

To address mission risk and cost limitations the US has faced in putting a much needed Doppler wind lidar into space, Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp, with support from NASA's Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO), has developed the Optical Autocovariance Wind Lidar (OAWL), designed to measure winds from aerosol backscatter at the 355 nm or 532 nm wavelengths. Preliminary proof of concept hardware efforts started at Ball back in 2004. From 2008 to 2012, under an ESTO-funded Instrument Incubator Program, Ball incorporated the Optical Autocovariance (OA) interferometer receiver into a prototype breadboard lidar system by adding a laser, telescope, and COTS-based data system for operation at the 355 nm wavelength. In 2011, the prototype system underwent ground-based validation testing, and three months later, after hardware and software modifications to ensure autonomous operation and aircraft safety, it was flown on the NASA WB-57 aircraft. The history of the 2011 test flights are reviewed, including efforts to get the system qualified for aircraft flights, modifications made during the flight test period, and the final flight data results. We also present lessons learned and plans for the new, robust, two-wavelength, aircraft system with flight demonstrations planned for Spring 2016.

Optical multi-species gas monitoring sensor and system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korman, Valentin (Inventor); Polzin, Kurt A. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

The system includes at least one light source generating light energy having a corresponding wavelength. The system's sensor is based on an optical interferometer that receives light energy from each light source. The interferometer includes a free-space optical path disposed in an environment of interest. The system's sensor includes an optical device disposed in the optical path that causes light energy of a first selected wavelength to continue traversing the optical path whereas light energy of at least one second selected wavelength is directed away from the optical path. The interferometer generates an interference between the light energy of the first selected wavelength so-traversing the optical path with the light energy at the corresponding wavelength incident on the optical interferometer. A first optical detector detects the interference. At least one second detector detects the light energy at the at least one second selected wavelength directed away from the optical path.

Analysis of the localization of Michelson interferometer fringes using Fourier optics and temporal coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narayanamurthy, C. S.

2009-01-01

Fringes formed in a Michelson interferometer never localize in any plane, in the detector plane and in the localization plane. Instead, the fringes are assumed to localize at infinity. Except for some explanation in Principles of Optics by Born and Wolf (1964 (New York: Macmillan)), the fringe localization phenomena of Michelson's interferometer have never been analysed seriously in any book. Because Michelson's interferometer is one of the important and fundamental optical experiments taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels, it would be appropriate to explain the localization of these fringes. In this paper, we analyse the localization of Michelson interferometer fringes using Fourier optics and temporal coherence, and show that they never localize at any plane even at infinity.

Fiber optic sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hesse, J.; Sohler, W.

1984-01-01

A survey of the developments in the field of fiber optics sensor technology is presented along with a discussion of the advantages of optical measuring instruments as compared with electronic sensors. The two primary types of fiber optics sensors, specifically those with multiwave fibers and those with monowave fibers, are described. Examples of each major sensor type are presented and discussed. Multiwave detectors include external and internal fiber optics sensors. Among the monowave detectors are Mach-Zender interferometers, Michelson interferometers, Sagnac interferometers (optical gyroscopes), waveguide resonators, and polarimeter sensors. Integrated optical sensors and their application in spectroscopy are briefly discussed.

Chemical micro-sensor

DOEpatents

Ruggiero, Anthony J.

2005-05-03

An integrated optical capillary electrophoresis system for analyzing an analyte. A modulated optical pump beam impinges on an capillary containing the analyte/buffer solution which is separated by electrophoresis. The thermally-induced change in the index of refraction of light in said electrophoresis capillary is monitored using an integrated micro-interferometer. The interferometer includes a first interferometer arm intersecting the electrophoresis capillary proximate the excitation beam and a second, reference interferometer arm. Changes in index of refraction in the analyte measured by interrogating the interferometer state using white light interferometry and a phase-generated carrier demodulation technique. Background thermo-optical activity in the buffer solution is cancelled by splitting the pump beam and exciting pure buffer solution in a second section of capillary where it crosses the reference arm of the interferometer.

All optical logic for optical pattern recognition and networking applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoury, Jed

2017-05-01

In this paper, we propose architectures for the implementation 16 Boolean optical gates from two inputs using externally pumped phase- conjugate Michelson interferometer. Depending on the gate to be implemented, some require single stage interferometer and others require two stages interferometer. The proposed optical gates can be used in several applications in optical networks including, but not limited to, all-optical packet routers switching, and all-optical error detection. The optical logic gates can also be used in recognition of noiseless rotation and scale invariant objects such as finger prints for home land security applications.

Results from a Grazing Incidence X-Ray Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joy, Marshall K.; Shipley, Ann; Cash, Webster; Carter, James

2000-01-01

A prototype grazing incidence interferometer has been built and tested at EUV and X-ray wavelengths using a 120 meter long vacuum test facility at Marshall Space Flight Center. We describe the design and construction of the interferometer, the EUV and x-ray sources, the detector systems, and compare the interferometric fringe measurements with theoretical predictions. We also describe the next-generation grazing incidence system which is designed to provide laboratory demonstration of key technologies that will be needed for a space-based x-ray interferometer.

Picometre displacement measurements using a differential Fabry-Perot optical interferometer and an x-ray interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Çelik, Mehmet; Hamid, Ramiz; Kuetgens, Ulrich; Yacoot, Andrew

2012-08-01

X-ray interferometry is emerging as an important tool for dimensional nanometrology both for sub-nanometre measurement and displacement. It has been used to verify the performance of the next generation of displacement measuring optical interferometers within the European Metrology Research Programme project NANOTRACE. Within this project a more detailed set of comparison measurements between the x-ray interferometer and a dual channel Fabry-Perot optical interferometer (DFPI) have been made to demonstrate the capabilities of both instruments for picometre displacement metrology. The results show good agreement between the two instruments, although some minor differences of less than 5 pm have been observed.

Amplitude and intensity spatial interferometry; Proceedings of the Meeting, Tucson, AZ, Feb. 14-16, 1990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breckinridge, Jim B. (Editor)

1990-01-01

Attention is given to such topics as ground interferometers, space interferometers, speckle-based and interferometry-based astronomical observations, adaptive and atmospheric optics, speckle techniques, and instrumentation. Particular papers are presented concerning recent progress on the IR Michelson array; the IOTA interferometer project; a space interferometer concept for the detection of extrasolar earth-like planets; IR speckle imaging at Palomar; optical diameters of stars measured with the Mt. Wilson Mark III interferometer; the IR array camera for interferometry with the cophased Multiple Mirror Telescope; optimization techniques appliesd to the bispectrum of one-dimensional IR astronomical speckle data; and adaptive optical iamging for extended objects.

Demonstration of a Corner-cube-interferometer LWIR Hyperspectral Imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renhorn, Ingmar G. E.; Svensson, Thomas; Cronström, Staffan; Hallberg, Tomas; Persson, Rolf; Lindell, Roland; Boreman, Glenn D.

2010-01-01

An interferometric long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral imager is demonstrated, based on a Michelson corner-cube interferometer. This class of system is inherently mechanically robust, and should have advantages over Sagnac-interferometer systems in terms of relaxed beamsplitter-coating specifications, and wider unvignetted field of view. Preliminary performance data from the laboratory prototype system are provided regarding imaging, spectral resolution, and fidelity of acquired spectra.

Absolute metrology for space interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salvadé, Yves; Courteville, Alain; Dändliker, René

2017-11-01

The crucial issue of space-based interferometers is the laser interferometric metrology systems to monitor with very high accuracy optical path differences. Although classical high-resolution laser interferometers using a single wavelength are well developed, this type of incremental interferometer has a severe drawback: any interruption of the interferometer signal results in the loss of the zero reference, which requires a new calibration, starting at zero optical path difference. We propose in this paper an absolute metrology system based on multiplewavelength interferometry.

Comparative analysis of methods and optical-electronic equipment to control the form parameters of spherical mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikitin, Alexander N.; Baryshnikov, Nikolay; Denisov, Dmitrii; Karasik, Valerii; Sakharov, Alexey; Romanov, Pavel; Sheldakova, Julia; Kudryashov, Alexis

2018-02-01

In this paper we consider two approaches widely used in testing of spherical optical surfaces: Fizeau interferometer and Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor. Fizeau interferometer that is widely used in optical testing can be transformed to a device using Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, the alternative technique to check spherical optical components. We call this device Hartmannometer, and compare its features to those of Fizeau interferometer.

FIBER OPTICS: Polarization phase nonreciprocity in all-fiber ring interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreev, A. Ts; Vasilev, V. D.; Kozlov, V. A.; Kuznetsov, A. V.; Senatorov, A. A.; Shubochkin, R. L.

1993-08-01

The polarization phase nonreciprocity in all-fiber ring interferometers based on single-mode optical fibers was studied experimentally. The results confirm existing theoretical models. Experimentally, it was possible to use fiber ring interferometers to measure the extinction coefficients of optical fiber polarizers. The largest extinction coefficients found for optical-fiber polarizers were 84 dB (for the wavelength 0.82 μm) and 86 dB (1.3 μm).

Phase shifting interferometer

DOEpatents

Sommargren, Gary E.

1999-01-01

An interferometer which has the capability of measuring optical elements and systems with an accuracy of .lambda./1000 where .lambda. is the wavelength of visible light. Whereas current interferometers employ a reference surface, which inherently limits the accuracy of the measurement to about .lambda./50, this interferometer uses an essentially perfect spherical reference wavefront generated by the fundamental process of diffraction. Whereas current interferometers illuminate the optic to be tested with an aberrated wavefront which also limits the accuracy of the measurement, this interferometer uses an essentially perfect spherical measurement wavefront generated by the fundamental process of diffraction. This interferometer is adjustable to give unity fringe visibility, which maximizes the signal-to-noise, and has the means to introduce a controlled prescribed relative phase shift between the reference wavefront and the wavefront from the optics under test, which permits analysis of the interference fringe pattern using standard phase extraction algorithms.

Phase shifting interferometer

DOEpatents

Sommargren, G.E.

1999-08-03

An interferometer is disclosed which has the capability of measuring optical elements and systems with an accuracy of {lambda}/1000 where {lambda} is the wavelength of visible light. Whereas current interferometers employ a reference surface, which inherently limits the accuracy of the measurement to about {lambda}/50, this interferometer uses an essentially perfect spherical reference wavefront generated by the fundamental process of diffraction. Whereas current interferometers illuminate the optic to be tested with an aberrated wavefront which also limits the accuracy of the measurement, this interferometer uses an essentially perfect spherical measurement wavefront generated by the fundamental process of diffraction. This interferometer is adjustable to give unity fringe visibility, which maximizes the signal-to-noise, and has the means to introduce a controlled prescribed relative phase shift between the reference wavefront and the wavefront from the optics under test, which permits analysis of the interference fringe pattern using standard phase extraction algorithms. 11 figs.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shyu, Lih-Horng; Chang, Chung-Ping; Wang, Yung-Cheng

Fabry-Perot interferometer is often used for the micro-displacement, because of its common optical path structure being insensitive to the environmental disturbances. Recently, the folded Fabry-Perot interferometer has been investigated for displacement measurements in large ranges. The advantages of a folded Fabry-Perot interferometer are insensitive to the tilt angle and higher optical resolution. But the design of the optical cavity has become more and more complicated. For this reason, the intensity loss in the cavity will be an important parameter for the distribution of the interferometric intensity. To obtain a more accurate result of such interferometer utilized for displacement measurements, themore » intensity loss of the cavity in the fabricated folded Fabry-Perot interferometer and the modified equation of the folded Fabry-Perot interferometer will be described. According to the theoretical and experimental results, the presented model is available for the analysis of displacement measurements by a folded Fabry-Perot interferometer.« less

Sensitivity of a fibre scattered-light interferometer to external phase perturbations in an optical fibre

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alekseev, A E; Potapov, V T; Gorshkov, B G

2015-10-31

Sensitivity of a fibre scattered-light interferometer to external phase perturbations is studied for the first time. An expression is derived for an average power of a useful signal at the interferometer output under external harmonic perturbations in a signal fibre of the interferometer. It is shown that the maximum sensitivity of the scattered-light interferometer depends on the dispersion of the interferogram intensity. An average signal-to-noise ratio is determined theoretically and experimentally at the output of the interferometer at different amplitudes of external perturbations. Using the measured dependences of the signal-to-noise ratio, the threshold sensitivity of the fibre scattered-light interferometer tomore » external phase perturbations is found. The results obtained can be used to optimise characteristics of optical time-domain reflectometers and to design individual phase-sensitive fibre-optic sensors. (laser applications and other topics in quantum electronics)« less

Optical domain analog to digital conversion methods and apparatus

DOEpatents

Vawter, Gregory A

2014-05-13

Methods and apparatus for optical analog to digital conversion are disclosed. An optical signal is converted by mapping the optical analog signal onto a wavelength modulated optical beam, passing the mapped beam through interferometers to generate analog bit representation signals, and converting the analog bit representation signals into an optical digital signal. A photodiode receives an optical analog signal, a wavelength modulated laser coupled to the photodiode maps the optical analog signal to a wavelength modulated optical beam, interferometers produce an analog bit representation signal from the mapped wavelength modulated optical beam, and sample and threshold circuits corresponding to the interferometers produce a digital bit signal from the analog bit representation signal.

Integrated optics interferometer for high precision displacement measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persegol, Dominique; Collomb, Virginie; Minier, Vincent

2017-11-01

We present the design and fabrication aspects of an integrated optics interferometer used in the optical head of a compact and lightweight displacement sensor developed for spatial applications. The process for fabricating the waveguides of the optical chip is a double thermal ion exchange of silver and sodium in a silicate glass. This two step process is adapted for the fabrication of high numerical aperture buried waveguides having negligible losses for bending radius as low as 10 mm. The optical head of the sensor is composed of a reference arm, a sensing arm and an interferometer which generates a one dimensional fringe pattern allowing a multiphase detection. Four waveguides placed at the output of the interferometer deliver four ideally 90° phase shifted signals.

Investigation of improved designs for rotational micromirrors using multiuser MEMS processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Julianna E.; Michael, Feras S. J.; Kirk, Andrew G.

2001-04-01

In recent years, the design of rotational micromirrors for use in optical cross connects has received much attention. Although several companies have already produced and marketed a number of torsional mirror devices, more work is still needed to determine how these mirrors can be integrated into optical systems to form compact optical switches. However, recently several commercial MEMS foundry services have become available. Thus, due to the low cost of these prototyping services, new devices can be fabricated in short amounts of time and the designs adapted to meet the needs of different applications. The purpose of this work is to investigate the fabrication of new micromirror designs using the Multi-User MEMS Processes (MUMPs) foundry service available from Cronos Integrated Microsystems, located in North Carolina, USA). Several sets of mirror designs were submitted for fabrication and the resulting structures characterized using a phase-shifting Mirau interferometer. The results of these devices are presented.

Optical interferometer testbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blackwood, Gary H.

1991-01-01

Viewgraphs on optical interferometer testbed presented at the MIT Space Research Engineering Center 3rd Annual Symposium are included. Topics covered include: space-based optical interferometer; optical metrology; sensors and actuators; real time control hardware; controlled structures technology (CST) design methodology; identification for MIMO control; FEM/ID correlation for the naked truss; disturbance modeling; disturbance source implementation; structure design: passive damping; low authority control; active isolation of lightweight mirrors on flexible structures; open loop transfer function of mirror; and global/high authority control.

An interferometer for high-resolution optical surveillance from GEO - internal metrology breadboard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonino, L.; Bresciani, F.; Piasini, G.; Pisani, M.; Cabral, A.; Rebordão, J.; Musso, F.

2017-11-01

This paper describes the internal metrology breadboard development activities performed in the frame of the EUCLID CEPA 9 RTP 9.9 "High Resolution Optical Satellite Sensor" project of the WEAO Research Cell by AAS-I and INETI. The Michelson Interferometer Testbed demonstrates the possibility of achieving a cophasing condition between two arms of the optical interferometer starting from a large initial white light Optical Path Difference (OPD) unbalance and of maintaining the fringe pattern stabilized in presence of disturbances.

Fabry-Perot Interferometer for Column CO2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heaps, William S.; Kawa, Randolph; Bhartia, P. K. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Global atmospheric CO2 measurements are essential to resolving significant discrepancies in our understanding of the global carbon budget and, hence, humankind's role in global climate change. The science measurement requirements for CO2 are extremely demanding (precision approx. 0.3%). No atmospheric chemical species has ever been measured from space with this precision. We are developing a novel application of a Fabry-Perot interferometer to detect spectral absorption of reflected sunlight by CO2 and O2 in the atmosphere. Preliminary design studies indicate that the method will be able to achieve the sensitivity and signal-to-noise detection required to measure column CO2 at the target specification. The objective of this program is to construct a prototype instrument for deployment on an aircraft to test the instrument performance and our ability to retrieve the data in the real atmosphere. To date we have assembled a laboratory bench system to begin testing the optical and electronic components. We are also measuring signal and noise levels in actual sunlight to evaluate component performance.

Characterization of the JWST Pathfinder mirror dynamics using the center of curvature optical assembly (CoCOA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wells, Conrad; Hadaway, James B.; Olczak, Gene; Cosentino, Joseph; Johnston, John D.; Whitman, Tony; Connolly, Mark; Chaney, David; Knight, J. Scott; Telfer, Randal

2016-07-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Optical Telescope Element (OTE) consists of a 6.6 m clear aperture, 18 segment primary mirror, all-reflective, three-mirror anastigmat operating at cryogenic temperatures. To verify performance of the primary mirror, a full aperture center of curvature optical null test is performed under cryogenic conditions in Chamber A at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) using an instantaneous phase measuring interferometer. After phasing the mirrors during the JWST Pathfinder testing, the interferometer is utilized to characterize the mirror relative piston and tilt dynamics under different facility configurations. The correlation between the motions seen on detectors at the focal plane and the interferometer validates the use of the interferometer for dynamic investigations. The success of planned test hardware improvements will be characterized by the multi-wavelength interferometer (MWIF) at the Center of Curvature Optical Assembly (CoCOA).

Characterization of the JWST Pathfinder Mirror Dynamics Using the Center of Curvature Optical Assembly (CoCOA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wells, Conrad; Hadaway, James B.; Olczak, Gene; Cosentino, Joseph; Johnston, John D.; Whitman, Tony; Connolly, Mark; Chaney, David; Knight, J. Scott; Telfer, Randal

2016-01-01

The JWST (James Webb Space Telescope) Optical Telescope Element (OTE) consists of a 6.6 meter clear aperture, 18-segment primary mirror, all-reflective, three-mirror anastigmat operating at cryogenic temperatures. To verify performance of the primary mirror, a full aperture center of curvature optical null test is performed under cryogenic conditions in Chamber A at NASA Johnson Space Center using an instantaneous phase measuring interferometer. After phasing the mirrors during the JWST Pathfinder testing, the interferometer is utilized to characterize the mirror relative piston and tilt dynamics under different facility configurations. The correlation between the motions seen on detectors at the focal plane and the interferometer validates the use of the interferometer for dynamic investigations. The success of planned test hardware improvements will be characterized by the multi-wavelength interferometer (MWIF) at the Center of Curvature Optical Assembly (CoCOA).

Broad source fringe formation with a Fresnel biprism and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

PubMed

Leon, S C

1987-12-15

A biprism is used to combine identical spatially incoherent wavefronts that have been split by an amplitude splitting interferometer such as the Mach-Zehnder. The performance of this composite interferometer is evaluated by tracing the chief ray through parallel optical systems using Snell's law and trigonometry. Fringes formed in spatially incoherent light with this optical system are compared with those formed using the Mach-Zehnder and grating interferometers. It is shown that the combination can exhibit extended source fringe formation capability greatly exceeding that of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

The Mask Designs for Space Interferometer Mission (SIM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Xu

2008-01-01

The Space Interferometer Mission (SIM) consists of three interferometers (science, guide1, and guide2) and two optical paths (metrology and starlight). The system requirements for each interferometer/optical path combination are different and sometimes work against each other. A diffraction model is developed to design and optimize various masks to simultaneously meet the system requirements of three interferometers. In this paper, the details of this diffraction model will be described first. Later, the mask design for each interferometer will be presented to demonstrate the system performance compliance. In the end, a tolerance sensitivity study on the geometrical dimension, shape, and the alignment of these masks will be discussed.

A Data Exchange Standard for Optical (Visible/IR) Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pauls, T. A.; Young, J. S.; Cotton, W. D.; Monnier, J. D.

2005-11-01

This paper describes the OI (Optical Interferometry) Exchange Format, a standard for exchanging calibrated data from optical (visible/infrared) stellar interferometers. The standard is based on the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) and supports the storage of optical interferometric observables, including squared visibility and closure phase-data products not included in radio interferometry standards such as UV-FITS. The format has already gained the support of most currently operating optical interferometer projects, including COAST, NPOI, IOTA, CHARA, VLTI, PTI, and the Keck Interferometer, and is endorsed by the IAU Working Group on Optical Interferometry. Software is available for reading, writing, and the merging of OI Exchange Format files.

Collisional Decoherence in Trapped-Atom Interferometers that use Nondegenerate Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-22

a magneto - optical trap . The trap is switched off and the atomic cloud begins to fall due to gravity. At the time t=0, the cloud is illuminated with...model is used to find the optimal operating conditions of the interferometer and direct Monte-Carlo simulation of the interferometer is used to...A major difficulty with all trapped -atom interferometers that use optical pulses is that the residual potential along the guide causes

All optical coherent receiver for self-homodyne detection of digitally phase modulated optical signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiasaleh, Kamran

1994-02-01

A novel optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) system for the self-homodyne detection of digitally phase modulated optical signals is introduced. A Mach-Zehnder type interferometer is used to self-homodyne binary phase-modulated optical signals with an external phase modulator inserted in the control arm of the interferometer.

Spatially continuous distributed fiber optic sensing using optical carrier based microwave interferometry.

PubMed

Huang, Jie; Lan, Xinwei; Luo, Ming; Xiao, Hai

2014-07-28

This paper reports a spatially continuous distributed fiber optic sensing technique using optical carrier based microwave interferometry (OCMI), in which many optical interferometers with the same or different optical path differences are interrogated in the microwave domain and their locations can be unambiguously determined. The concept is demonstrated using cascaded weak optical reflectors along a single optical fiber, where any two arbitrary reflectors are paired to define a low-finesse Fabry-Perot interferometer. While spatially continuous (i.e., no dark zone), fully distributed strain measurement was used as an example to demonstrate the capability, the proposed concept may also be implemented on other types of waveguide or free-space interferometers and used for distributed measurement of various physical, chemical and biological quantities.

Development of horn antenna mixer array with internal local oscillator module for microwave imaging diagnostics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kuwahara, D., E-mail: dkuwahar@cc.tuat.ac.jp; Ito, N.; Nagayama, Y.

A new antenna array is proposed in order to improve the sensitivity and complexity of microwave imaging diagnostics systems such as a microwave imaging reflectometry, a microwave imaging interferometer, and an electron cyclotron emission imaging. The antenna array consists of five elements: a horn antenna, a waveguide-to-microstrip line transition, a mixer, a local oscillation (LO) module, and an intermediate frequency amplifier. By using an LO module, the LO optics can be removed, and the supplied LO power to each element can be equalized. We report details of the antenna array and characteristics of a prototype antenna array.

Development of horn antenna mixer array with internal local oscillator module for microwave imaging diagnostics.

PubMed

Kuwahara, D; Ito, N; Nagayama, Y; Yoshinaga, T; Yamaguchi, S; Yoshikawa, M; Kohagura, J; Sugito, S; Kogi, Y; Mase, A

2014-11-01

A new antenna array is proposed in order to improve the sensitivity and complexity of microwave imaging diagnostics systems such as a microwave imaging reflectometry, a microwave imaging interferometer, and an electron cyclotron emission imaging. The antenna array consists of five elements: a horn antenna, a waveguide-to-microstrip line transition, a mixer, a local oscillation (LO) module, and an intermediate frequency amplifier. By using an LO module, the LO optics can be removed, and the supplied LO power to each element can be equalized. We report details of the antenna array and characteristics of a prototype antenna array.

Self-Calibrating Surface Measuring Machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenleaf, Allen H.

1983-04-01

A new kind of surface-measuring machine has been developed under government contract at Itek Optical Systems, a Division of Itek Corporation, to assist in the fabrication of large, highly aspheric optical elements. The machine uses four steerable distance-measuring interferometers at the corners of a tetrahedron to measure the positions of a retroreflective target placed at various locations against the surface being measured. Using four interferometers gives redundant information so that, from a set of measurement data, the dimensions of the machine as well as the coordinates of the measurement points can be determined. The machine is, therefore, self-calibrating and does not require a structure made to high accuracy. A wood-structured prototype of this machine was made whose key components are a simple form of air bearing steering mirror, a wide-angle cat's eye retroreflector used as the movable target, and tracking sensors and servos to provide automatic tracking of the cat's eye by the four laser beams. The data are taken and analyzed by computer. The output is given in terms of error relative to an equation of the desired surface. In tests of this machine, measurements of a 0.7 m diameter mirror blank have been made with an accuracy on the order of 0.2µm rms.

Investigation of Space Interferometer Control Using Imaging Sensor Output Feedback

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leitner, Jesse A.; Cheng, Victor H. L.

2003-01-01

Numerous space interferometry missions are planned for the next decade to verify different enabling technologies towards very-long-baseline interferometry to achieve high-resolution imaging and high-precision measurements. These objectives will require coordinated formations of spacecraft separately carrying optical elements comprising the interferometer. High-precision sensing and control of the spacecraft and the interferometer-component payloads are necessary to deliver sub-wavelength accuracy to achieve the scientific objectives. For these missions, the primary scientific product of interferometer measurements may be the only source of data available at the precision required to maintain the spacecraft and interferometer-component formation. A concept is studied for detecting the interferometer's optical configuration errors based on information extracted from the interferometer sensor output. It enables precision control of the optical components, and, in cases of space interferometers requiring formation flight of spacecraft that comprise the elements of a distributed instrument, it enables the control of the formation-flying vehicles because independent navigation or ranging sensors cannot deliver the high-precision metrology over the entire required geometry. Since the concept can act on the quality of the interferometer output directly, it can detect errors outside the capability of traditional metrology instruments, and provide the means needed to augment the traditional instrumentation to enable enhanced performance. Specific analyses performed in this study include the application of signal-processing and image-processing techniques to solve the problems of interferometer aperture baseline control, interferometer pointing, and orientation of multiple interferometer aperture pairs.

An interferometer having fused optical fibers, and apparatus and method using the interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hellbaum, Richard F. (Inventor); Claus, Richard O. (Inventor); Murphy, Kent A. (Inventor); Gunther, Michael F. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

An interferometer includes a first optical fiber coupled to a second optical fiber by fusing. At a fused portion, the first and second optical fibers are cut to expose respective cores. The cut or fused end of the first and second optical fibers is arranged to oppose a diaphragm or surface against which a physical phenomenon such as pressure or stress, is applied. In a first embodiment, a source light which is generally single-mode monochromatic, coherent light, is input to the first optical fiber and by evanescence, effectively crosses to the second optical fiber at the fused portion. Source light from the second optical fiber is reflected by the diaphragm or surface, and received at the second optical fiber to generate an output light which has an intensity which depends upon interference of reference light based on the source light, and the reflected light reflected from the diaphragm or surface. The intensity of the output light represents a positional relationship or displacement between the interferometer and the diaphragm or surface.

Fiber optic geophysical sensors

DOEpatents

Homuth, Emil F.

1991-01-01

A fiber optic geophysical sensor in which laser light is passed through a sensor interferometer in contact with a geophysical event, and a reference interferometer not in contact with the geophysical event but in the same general environment as the sensor interferometer. In one embodiment, a single tunable laser provides the laser light. In another embodiment, separate tunable lasers are used for the sensor and reference interferometers. The invention can find such uses as monitoring for earthquakes, and the weighing of objects.

Interferometer for Measuring Displacement to Within 20 pm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhao, Feng

2003-01-01

An optical heterodyne interferometer that can be used to measure linear displacements with an error <=20 pm has been developed. The remarkable accuracy of this interferometer is achieved through a design that includes (1) a wavefront split that reduces (relative to amplitude splits used in other interferometers) self interference and (2) a common-optical-path configuration that affords common-mode cancellation of the interference effects of thermal-expansion changes in optical-path lengths. The most popular method of displacement- measuring interferometry involves two beams, the polarizations of which are meant to be kept orthogonal upstream of the final interference location, where the difference between the phases of the two beams is measured. Polarization leakages (deviations from the desired perfect orthogonality) contaminate the phase measurement with periodic nonlinear errors. In commercial interferometers, these phase-measurement errors result in displacement errors in the approximate range of 1 to 10 nm. Moreover, because prior interferometers lack compensation for thermal-expansion changes in optical-path lengths, they are subject to additional displacement errors characterized by a temperature sensitivity of about 100 nm/K. Because the present interferometer does not utilize polarization in the separation and combination of the two interfering beams and because of the common-mode cancellation of thermal-expansion effects, the periodic nonlinear errors and the sensitivity to temperature changes are much smaller than in other interferometers

Blind operation of optical astronomical interferometers options and predicted performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beckers, Jacques M.

1991-01-01

Maximum sensitivity for optical interferometers is achieved only when the optical path lengths between the different arms can be equalized without using interference fringes on the research object itself. This is called 'blind operation' of the interferometer. This paper examines different options to achieve this, focusing on the application to the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). It is proposed that blind operation should be done using a so-called coherence autoguider, working on an unresolved star of magnitude V = 11-13 within the isoplanatic patch for coherencing, which has a diameter of about 1 deg. Estimates of limiting magnitudes for the VLTI are also derived.

Local readout enhancement for detuned signal-recycling interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rehbein, Henning; Müller-Ebhardt, Helge; Somiya, Kentaro; Li, Chao; Schnabel, Roman; Danzmann, Karsten; Chen, Yanbei

2007-09-01

High power detuned signal-recycling interferometers currently planned for second-generation interferometric gravitational-wave detectors (for example Advanced LIGO) are characterized by two resonances in the detection band, an optical resonance and an optomechanical resonance which is upshifted from the suspension pendulum frequency due to the so-called optical-spring effect. The detector’s sensitivity is enhanced around these two resonances. However, at frequencies below the optomechanical resonance frequency, the sensitivity of such interferometers is significantly lower than non-optical-spring configurations with comparable circulating power; such a drawback can also compromise high-frequency sensitivity, when an optimization is performed on the overall sensitivity of the interferometer to a class of sources. In this paper, we clarify the reason for such a low sensitivity, and propose a way to fix this problem. Motivated by the optical-bar scheme of Braginsky, Gorodetsky, and Khalili, we propose to add a local readout scheme which measures the motion of the arm-cavity front mirror, which at low frequencies moves together with the arm-cavity end mirror, under the influence of gravitational waves. This scheme improves the low-frequency quantum-noise-limited sensitivity of optical-spring interferometers significantly and can be considered as an incorporation of the optical-bar scheme into currently planned second-generation interferometers. On the other hand it can be regarded as an extension of the optical-bar scheme. Taking compact binary inspiral signals as an example, we illustrate how this scheme can be used to improve the sensitivity of the planned Advanced LIGO interferometer, in various scenarios, using a realistic classical-noise budget. We also discuss how this scheme can be implemented in Advanced LIGO with relative ease.

Recent Developments Of Optical Fiber Sensors For Automotive Use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasayama, Takao; Oho, Shigeru; Kuroiwa, Hiroshi; Suzuki, Seikoo

1987-12-01

Optical fiber sensing technologies are expected to apply for many future electronic control systems in automobiles, because of their original outstanding features, such as high noise immunity, high heat resistance, and flexible light propagation paths which can be applicable to measure the movements and directions of the mobiles. In this paper, two typical applications of fiber sensing technologies in automobiles have been described in detail. The combustion flame detector is one of the typical applications of a fiber spectroscopic technology which utilizes the feature of high noise and heat resistibility and remote sensibility. Measurements of engine combustion conditions, such as the detonation, the combustion initiation, and the air-fuel ratio, have been demonstrated in an experimental fiber sensing method. Fiber interferometers, such as a fiber gyroscope, have a lot of possibilities in future mobile applications because they are expandable to many kinds of measurements for movements and physical variables. An optical fiber gyroscope utilizing the single polarized optical fiber and optical devices has been developed. Quite an accurate measurement of vehicle position was displayed on a prototype navigation system which installed the fiber gyroscope as a rotational speed sensor.

Prototype high speed optical delay line for stellar interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colavita, M. M.; Hines, B. E.; Shao, M.; Klose, G. J.; Gibson, B. V.

1991-12-01

The long baselines of the next-generation ground-based optical stellar interferometers require optical delay lines which can maintain nm-level path-length accuracy while moving at high speeds. NASA-JPL is currently designing delay lines to meet these requirements. The design is an enhanced version of the Mark III delay line, with the following key features: hardened, large diameter wheels, rather than recirculating ball bearings, to reduce mechanical noise; a friction-drive cart which bears the cable-dragging forces, and drives the optics cart through a force connection only; a balanced PZT assembly to enable high-bandwidth path-length control; and a precision aligned flexural suspension for the optics assembly to minimize bearing noise feedthrough. The delay line is fully programmable in position and velocity, and the system is controlled with four cascaded software feedback loops. Preliminary performance is a jitter in any 5 ms window of less than 10 nm rms for delay rates of up to 28 mm/s; total jitter is less than 10 nm rms for delay rates up to 20 mm/s.

Interferometric architectures based All-Optical logic design methods and their implementations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Karamdeep; Kaur, Gurmeet

2015-06-01

All-Optical Signal Processing is an emerging technology which can avoid costly Optical-electronic-optical (O-E-O) conversions which are usually compulsory in traditional Electronic Signal Processing systems, thus greatly enhancing operating bit rate with some added advantages such as electro-magnetic interference immunity and low power consumption etc. In order to implement complex signal processing tasks All-Optical logic gates are required as backbone elements. This review describes the advances in the field of All-Optical logic design methods based on interferometric architectures such as Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI), Sagnac Interferometers and Ultrafast Non-Linear Interferometer (UNI). All-Optical logic implementations for realization of arithmetic and signal processing applications based on each interferometric arrangement are also presented in a categorized manner.

Development of the Double Etalon Fabry-Perot Interferometer for Determining Total and Tropospheric Ozone Concentrations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, William

1999-01-01

Measuring and understanding the distribution of ozone through the lower levels of Earth's atmosphere are high priorities in global change and climate research. Of particular interest now is the global distribution of ozone in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Global coverage of the stratospheric ozone is feasible only via remote sensing instruments on a space-based platform. And though extensive monitoring tropospheric ozone is possible using instruments flown aboard conventional aircraft, a space-based system would be significantly less costly and provide information over a much broader area and produce more uniform coverage. Here we describe the prototype of an instrument being developed to monitor, from an orbiting spacecraft, the ozone found in Earth's upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Our new spectrometer is an infrared Fabry-Perot interferometer which uses two synchrounously tuned etalons: a high resolution narrow band device and a lower resolution broader band filtering etalon. The prototype is a scanning device making use of nearly collimated input radiation and a single element detector. As presently configured, it is capable of providing a resolution better than 0.07/cm with a spectral band width approximately 5/cm wide and centered at 1054.7/cm. For the future space-based emission device a modification of the the prototype was to be made to employ innovative circle-to-line detector optics, those developed or in development at UM/SPRL, and a focal plane array detector. These enhancements would enable a simultaneous recording of the entire spectral range of interest, but with simple detection electronics and a significant gain in signal-to-noise over that of the scanning version.

A Shack Interferometer Setup for Optical Testing in Undergraduate Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vannoni, Maurizio; Righini, Alberto; Salas, Matias; Sordini, Andrea; Vanzi, Leonardo

2012-01-01

The Shack interferometer is a simple and effective device to test optical surfaces in reflection and optical systems in transmission. An essential setup on a reduced scale with a minimum number of components is presented, suited to gain familiarity and practice with optical testing in a laboratory course for undergraduate students. The basic…

Fiber optic geophysical sensors

DOEpatents

Homuth, E.F.

1991-03-19

A fiber optic geophysical sensor is described in which laser light is passed through a sensor interferometer in contact with a geophysical event, and a reference interferometer not in contact with the geophysical event but in the same general environment as the sensor interferometer. In one embodiment, a single tunable laser provides the laser light. In another embodiment, separate tunable lasers are used for the sensor and reference interferometers. The invention can find such uses as monitoring for earthquakes, and the weighing of objects. 2 figures.

Tunable mechanical monolithic sensor with interferometric readout for low frequency seismic noise measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acernese, F.; De Rosa, R.; Giordano, G.; Romano, R.; Barone, F.

2008-03-01

This paper describes a mechanical monolithic sensor for geophysical applications developed at the University of Salerno. The instrument is basically a monolithic tunable folded pendulum, shaped with precision machining and electric-discharge-machining, that can be used both as seismometer and, in a force-feedback configuration, as accelerometer. The monolithic mechanical design and the introduction of laser interferometric techniques for the readout implementation make it a very compact instrument, very sensitive in the low-frequency seismic noise band, with a very good immunity to environmental noises. Many changes have been produced since last version (2007), mainly aimed to the improvement of the mechanics and of the optical readout of the instrument. In fact, we have developed and tested a prototype with elliptical hinges and mechanical tuning of the resonance frequency together with a laser optical lever and a new laser interferometer readout system. The theoretical sensitivity curve both for both laser optical lever and laser interferometric readouts, evaluated on the basis of suitable theoretical models, shows a very good agreement with the experimental measurements. Very interesting scientific result, for example, is that the measured natural resonance frequency of the instrument is 70 mHz with a Q = 140 in air without thermal stabilization, demonstrating the feasibility of a monolithic FP sensor with a natural resonance frequency of the order of mHz with a more refined mechanical tuning. Results on the readout system based on polarimetric homodyne Michelson interferometer is discussed.

Modeling of low-finesse, extrinsic fiber optic Fabry-Perot white light interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Cheng; Tian, Zhipeng; Wang, Anbo

2012-06-01

This article introduces an approach for modeling the fiber optic low-finesse extrinsic Fabry-Pérot Interferometers (EFPI), aiming to address signal processing problems in EFPI demodulation algorithms based on white light interferometry. The main goal is to seek physical interpretations to correlate the sensor spectrum with the interferometer geometry (most importantly, the optical path difference). Because the signal demodulation quality and reliability hinge heavily on the understanding of such relationships, the model sheds light on optimizing the sensor performance.

Mach-Zehnder atom interferometer inside an optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xin, Mingjie; Leong, Wuiseng; Chen, Zilong; Lan, Shau-Yu

2017-04-01

Precision measurement with light-pulse grating atom interferometry in free space have been used in the study of fundamental physics and applications in inertial sensing. Recent development of photonic band-gap fibers allows light for traveling in hollow region while preserving its fundamental Gaussian mode. The fibers could provide a very promising platform to transfer cold atoms. Optically guided matter waves inside a hollow-core photonic band-gap fiber can mitigate diffraction limit problem and has the potential to bring research in the field of atomic sensing and precision measurement to the next level of compactness and accuracy. Here, we will show our experimental progress towards an atom interferometer in optical fibers. We designed an atom trapping scheme inside a hollow-core photonic band-gap fiber to create an optical guided matter waves system, and studied the coherence properties of Rubidium atoms in this optical guided system. We also demonstrate a Mach-Zehnder atom interferometer in the optical waveguide. This interferometer is promising for precision measurements and designs of mobile atomic sensors.

Optical refractometer based on an asymmetrical twin-core fiber Michelson interferometer.

PubMed

Zhou, Ai; Zhang, Yanhui; Li, Guangping; Yang, Jun; Wang, Yuzhuo; Tian, Fengjun; Yuan, Libo

2011-08-15

We report and demonstrate an optical refractometer based on a compact fiber Michelson interferometer. The Michelson interferometer is composed of an asymmetrical twin-core fiber containing a central core and a side core. By chemically etching a segment of the twin-core fiber until the side core is exposed, the effective index of the side core in the etched region is sensitive to the environmental refractive index, which leads to a shift of the transmission spectrum of the Michelson interferometer. The experimental results show that such a device has a refractive index resolution of more than 800 nm/refractive index unit in the range of 1.34-1.37. © 2011 Optical Society of America

New methods of multimode fiber interferometer signal processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vitrik, Oleg B.; Kulchin, Yuri N.; Maxaev, Oleg G.; Kirichenko, Oleg V.; Kamenev, Oleg T.; Petrov, Yuri S.

1995-06-01

New methods of multimode fiber interferometers signal processing are suggested. For scheme of single fiber multimode interferometers with two excited modes, the method based on using of special fiber unit is developed. This unit provides the modes interaction and further sum optical field filtering. As a result the amplitude of output signal is modulated by external influence on interferometer. The stabilization of interferometer sensitivity is achieved by using additional special modulation of output signal. For scheme of single fiber multimode interferometers with excitation of wide mode spectrum, the signal of intermode interference is registered by photodiode matrix and then special electronic unit performs correlation processing. For elimination of temperature destabilization, the registered signal is adopted to multimode interferometers optical signal temperature changes. The achieved parameters for double mode scheme: temporary stability--0.6% per hour, sensitivity to interferometer length deviations--3,2 nm; for multimode scheme: temperature stability--(0.5%)/(K), temporary nonstability--0.2% per hour, sensitivity to interferometer length deviations--20 nm, dynamic range--35 dB.

Phase shifting diffraction interferometer

DOEpatents

Sommargren, Gary E.

1996-01-01

An interferometer which has the capability of measuring optical elements and systems with an accuracy of .lambda./1000 where .lambda. is the wavelength of visible light. Whereas current interferometers employ a reference surface, which inherently limits the accuracy of the measurement to about .lambda./50, this interferometer uses an essentially perfect spherical reference wavefront generated by the fundamental process of diffraction. This interferometer is adjustable to give unity fringe visibility, which maximizes the signal-to-noise, and has the means to introduce a controlled prescribed relative phase shift between the reference wavefront and the wavefront from the optics under test, which permits analysis of the interference fringe pattern using standard phase extraction algorithms.

Phase shifting diffraction interferometer

DOEpatents

Sommargren, G.E.

1996-08-29

An interferometer which has the capability of measuring optical elements and systems with an accuracy of {lambda}/1000 where {lambda} is the wavelength of visible light. Whereas current interferometers employ a reference surface, which inherently limits the accuracy of the measurement to about {lambda}/50, this interferometer uses an essentially perfect spherical reference wavefront generated by the fundamental process of diffraction. This interferometer is adjustable to give unity fringe visibility, which maximizes the signal-to-noise, and has the means to introduce a controlled prescribed relative phase shift between the reference wavefront and the wavefront from the optics under test, which permits analysis of the interference fringe pattern using standard phase extraction algorithms. 8 figs.

Chronology of Fabry-Perot Interferometer Fiber-Optic Sensors and Their Applications: A Review

PubMed Central

Islam, Md. Rajibul; Ali, Muhammad Mahmood; Lai, Man-Hong; Lim, Kok-Sing; Ahmad, Harith

2014-01-01

Optical fibers have been involved in the area of sensing applications for more than four decades. Moreover, interferometric optical fiber sensors have attracted broad interest for their prospective applications in sensing temperature, refractive index, strain measurement, pressure, acoustic wave, vibration, magnetic field, and voltage. During this time, numerous types of interferometers have been developed such as Fabry-Perot, Michelson, Mach-Zehnder, Sagnac Fiber, and Common-path interferometers. Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) fiber-optic sensors have been extensively investigated for their exceedingly effective, simple fabrication as well as low cost aspects. In this study, a wide variety of FPI sensors are reviewed in terms of fabrication methods, principle of operation and their sensing applications. The chronology of the development of FPI sensors and their implementation in various applications are discussed. PMID:24763250

Effects of Langmuir-Blodgett-film gas sensors with integrated optical interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fushen, Chen; Yunqi, Liu; Yu, Xu; Qu, Liang

1996-10-01

Novel Langmuir-Blodgett-film toxic-gas sensors that have a Ti:LiNbO 3 integrated optical Mach-Zehnder interferometer structure are experimentally investigated. The gas-sensing properties of the sensors are obtained for NO 2, Cl2, NH3, and H2S by means of the detection of optical output changes. All the optical connections are made with optical fiber pigtails.

Polarization Dependence Suppression of Optical Fiber Grating Sensor in a π-Shifted Sagnac Loop Interferometer

PubMed Central

Son, Jaebum; Lee, Min-Kyoung; Jeong, Myung Yung; Kim, Chang-Seok

2010-01-01

In the sensing applications of optical fiber grating, it is necessary to reduce the transmission-type polarization dependence to isolate the sensing parameter. It is experimentally shown that the polarization-dependent spectrum of acousto-optic long-period fiber grating sensors can be suppressed in the transmission port of a π-shifted Sagnac loop interferometer. General expressions for the transmittance and reflectance are derived for transmission-type, reflection-type, and partially reflecting/transmitting-type polarization-dependent optical devices. The compensation of polarization dependence through the counter propagation in the Sagnac loop interferometer is quantitatively measured for a commercial in-line polarizer and an acousto-optic long-period fiber grating sensor. PMID:22399884

Optofluidic in-fiber interferometer based on hollow optical fiber with two cores.

PubMed

Yuan, Tingting; Yang, Xinghua; Liu, Zhihai; Yang, Jun; Li, Song; Kong, Depeng; Qi, Xiuxiu; Yu, Wenting; Long, Qunlong; Yuan, Libo

2017-07-24

We demonstrate a novel integrated optical fiber interferometer for in-fiber optofluidic detection. It is composed of a specially designed hollow optical fiber with a micro-channel and two cores. One core on the inner surface of the micro-channel is served as sensing arm and the other core in the annular cladding is served as reference arm. Fusion-and-tapering method is employed to couple light from a single mode fiber to the hollow optical fiber in this device. Sampling is realized by side opening a microhole on the surface of the hollow optical fiber. Under differential pressure between the end of the hollow fiber and the microhole, the liquids can form steady microflows in the micro-channel. Simultaneously, the interference spectrum of the interferometer device shifts with the variation of the concentration of the microfluid in the channel. The optofluidic in-fiber interferometer has a sensitivity of refractive index around 2508 nm/RIU for NaCl. For medicine concentration detection, its sensitivity is 0.076 nm/mmolL -1 for ascorbic acid. Significantly, this work presents a compact microfluidic in-fiber interferometer with a micro-channel which can be integrated with chip devices without spatial optical coupling and without complex manufacturing procedure of the waveguide on the chips.

Electro-Optical Imaging Fourier-Transform Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chao, Tien-Hsin; Zhou, Hanying

2006-01-01

An electro-optical (E-O) imaging Fourier-transform spectrometer (IFTS), now under development, is a prototype of improved imaging spectrometers to be used for hyperspectral imaging, especially in the infrared spectral region. Unlike both imaging and non-imaging traditional Fourier-transform spectrometers, the E-O IFTS does not contain any moving parts. Elimination of the moving parts and the associated actuator mechanisms and supporting structures would increase reliability while enabling reductions in size and mass, relative to traditional Fourier-transform spectrometers that offer equivalent capabilities. Elimination of moving parts would also eliminate the vibrations caused by the motions of those parts. Figure 1 schematically depicts a traditional Fourier-transform spectrometer, wherein a critical time delay is varied by translating one the mirrors of a Michelson interferometer. The time-dependent optical output is a periodic representation of the input spectrum. Data characterizing the input spectrum are generated through fast-Fourier-transform (FFT) post-processing of the output in conjunction with the varying time delay.

Combining shearography and interferometric fringe projection in a single device for complete control of industrial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blain, Pascal; Michel, Fabrice; Piron, Pierre; Renotte, Yvon; Habraken, Serge

2013-08-01

Noncontact optical measurement methods are essential tools in many industrial and research domains. A family of new noncontact optical measurement methods based on the polarization states splitting technique and monochromatic light projection as a way to overcome ambient lighting for in-situ measurement has been developed. Recent works on a birefringent element, a Savart plate, allow one to build a more flexible and robust interferometer. This interferometer is a multipurpose metrological device. On one hand the interferometer can be set in front of a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. This optical measurement system is called a shearography interferometer and allows one to measure microdisplacements between two states of the studied object under coherent lighting. On the other hand, by producing and shifting multiple sinusoidal Young's interference patterns with this interferometer, and using a CCD camera, it is possible to build a three-dimensional structured light profilometer.

Laser interferometer for space-based mapping of Earth's gravity field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehne, Marina; Sheard, Benjamin; Gerberding, Oliver; Mahrdt, Christoph; Heinzel, Gerhard; Danzmann, Karsten

2010-05-01

Laser interferometry will play a key role in the next generation of GRACE-type satellite gravity missions. The measurement concepts for future missions include a heterodyne laser interferometer. Furthermore, it is favourable to use polarising components in the laser interferometer for beam splitting. In the first step the influence of these components on the interferometer sensitivity has been investigated. Additionally, a length stability on a nm-scale has been validated. The next step will include a performance test of an interferometric SST system in an active symmetric transponder setup including two lasers and two optical benches. The design and construction of a quasi-monolithic interferometer for comparing the interferometric performance of non-polarising and polarising optics will be discussed. The results of the interferometric readout of a heterodyne configuration together with polarising optics will be presented to fulfil the phase sensitivity requirement of 1nm/√Hz-- for a typical SSI scenario.

Fizeau simultaneous phase-shifting interferometry based on extended source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shanshan; Zhu, Qiudong; Hou, Yinlong; Cao, Zheng

2016-09-01

Coaxial Fizeau simultaneous phase-shifting interferometer plays an important role in many fields for its characteristics of long optical path, miniaturization, and elimination of reference surface high-frequency error. Based on the matching of coherence between extended source and interferometer, orthogonal polarization reference wave and measurement wave can be obtained by Fizeau interferometry with Michelson interferometer preposed. Through matching spatial coherence length between preposed interferometer and primary interferometer, high contrast interference fringes can be obtained and additional interference fringes can be eliminated. Thus, the problem of separation of measurement and reference surface in the common optical path Fizeau interferometer is solved. Numerical simulation and principle experiment is conducted to verify the feasibility of extended source interferometer. Simulation platform is established by using the communication technique of DDE (dynamic data exchange) to connect Zemax and Matlab. The modeling of the extended source interferometer is realized by using Zemax. Matlab codes are programmed to automatically rectify the field parameters of the optical system and conveniently calculate the visibility of interference fringes. Combined with the simulation, the experimental platform of the extended source interferometer is established. After experimental research on the influence law of scattering screen granularity to interference fringes, the granularity of scattering screen is determined. Based on the simulation platform and experimental platform, the impacts on phase measurement accuracy of the imaging system aberration and collimation system aberration of the interferometer are analyzed. Compared the visibility relation curves between experimental measurement and simulation result, the experimental result is in line with the theoretical result.

Compact portable diffraction moire interferometer

DOEpatents

Deason, Vance A.; Ward, Michael B.

1989-01-01

A compact and portable moire interferometer used to determine surface deformations of an object. The improved interferometer is comprised of a laser beam, optical and fiber optics devices coupling the beam to one or more evanescent wave splitters, and collimating lenses directing the split beam at one or more specimen gratings. Observation means including film and video cameras may be used to view and record the resultant fringe patterns.

Fiber-optic extrinsic Fabry-Perot vibration-isolated interferometer for use in absolute gravity meters.

PubMed

Canuteson, E L; Zumberge, M

1996-07-01

In an absolute gravity meter, a laser interferometer measures the position of a test mass that is falling ina vacuum. The calculated value of gravity is the average acceleration of the mass during a set ofdrops. Since systematic accelerations of the optical system will bias the measured value of gravity,various interferometer geometries have been implemented in the past to isolate the optical system fromground motion. We have developed and tested a low-finesse fiber-optic extrinsic Fabry-Perotinterferometer that is fixed to the mass of a critically damped seismometer in which the effects ofsystematic ground motion and acoustic vibrations are reduced.

Forward scattering in two-beam laser interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mana, G.; Massa, E.; Sasso, C. P.

2018-04-01

A fractional error as large as 25 pm mm-1 at the zero optical-path difference has been observed in an optical interferometer measuring the displacement of an x-ray interferometer used to determine the lattice parameter of silicon. Detailed investigations have brought to light that the error was caused by light forward-scattered from the beam feeding the interferometer. This paper reports on the impact of forward-scattered light on the accuracy of two-beam optical interferometry applied to length metrology, and supplies a model capable of explaining the observed error.

Noncontact photoacoustic imaging by using a modified optical-fiber Michelson interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Jiao; Gao, Yingzhe; Ma, Zhenhe; Wang, Bo; Wang, Yi

2016-03-01

We demonstrate a noncontact photoacoustic imaging (PAI) system in which an optical interferometer is used for ultrasound detection. The system is based on a modified optical-fiber Michelson interferometer that measures the surface displacement caused by photoacoustic pressure. A synchronization method is utilized to keep its high sensitivity to reduce the influence of ambient vibrations. The system is experimentally verified by imaging of a phantom. The experimental results indicate that the proposed system can be used for noncontact PAI with high resolution and high bandwidth.

Reflection-induced linear polarization rotation and phase modulation between orthogonal waves for refractive index variation measurement.

PubMed

Twu, Ruey-Ching; Wang, Jhao-Sheng

2016-04-01

An optical phase interrogation is proposed to study reflection-induced linear polarization rotation in a common-path homodyne interferometer. This optical methodology can also be applied to the measurement of the refractive index variation of a liquid solution. The performance of the refractive index sensing structure is discussed theoretically, and the experimental results demonstrated a very good ability based on the proposed schemes. Compared with a conventional common-path heterodyne interferometer, the proposed homodyne interferometer with only a single channel reduced the usage of optic elements.

All-optical phase modulation in a cavity-polariton Mach–Zehnder interferometer

PubMed Central

Sturm, C.; Tanese, D.; Nguyen, H.S.; Flayac, H.; Galopin, E.; Lemaître, A.; Sagnes, I.; Solnyshkov, D.; Amo, A.; Malpuech, G.; Bloch, J.

2014-01-01

Quantum fluids based on light is a highly developing research field, since they provide a nonlinear platform for developing optical functionalities and quantum simulators. An important issue in this context is the ability to coherently control the properties of the fluid. Here we propose an all-optical approach for controlling the phase of a flow of cavity-polaritons, making use of their strong interactions with localized excitons. Here we illustrate the potential of this method by implementing a compact exciton–polariton interferometer, which output intensity and polarization can be optically controlled. This interferometer is cascadable with already reported polariton devices and is promising for future polaritonic quantum optic experiments. Complex phase patterns could be also engineered using this optical method, providing a key tool to build photonic artificial gauge fields. PMID:24513781

Optics Alignment of a Balloon-Borne Far-Infrared Interferometer BETTII

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dhabal, Arnab; Rinehart, Stephen A.; Rizzo, Maxime J.; Mundy, Lee; Sampler, Henry; Juanola Parramon, Roser; Veach, Todd; Fixsen, Dale; Vila Hernandez De Lorenzo, Jor; Silverberg, Robert F.

2017-01-01

The Balloon Experimental Twin Telescope for Infrared Interferometry (BETTII) is an 8-m baseline far-infrared (FIR: 30 90 micrometer) interferometer providing spatially resolved spectroscopy. The initial scientific focus of BETTII is on clustered star formation, but this capability likely has a much broader scientific application.One critical step in developing an interferometer, such as BETTII, is the optical alignment of the system. We discuss how we determine alignment sensitivities of different optical elements on the interferogram outputs. Accordingly, an alignment plan is executed that makes use of a laser tracker and theodolites for precise optical metrology of both the large external optics and the small optics inside the cryostat. We test our alignment on the ground by pointing BETTII to bright near-infrared sources and obtaining their images in the tracking detectors.

Operation Program for the Spatially Phase-Shifted Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometer - SPS-DSPI

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blake, Peter N.; Jones, Joycelyn T.; Hostetter, Carl F.; Greenfield, Perry; Miller, Todd

2010-01-01

SPS-DSPI software has been revised so that Goddard optical engineers can operate the instrument, instead of data programmers. The user interface has been improved to view the data collected by the SPS-DSPI, with a real-time mode and a play-back mode. The SPS-DSPI has been developed by NASA/GSFC to measure the temperature distortions of the primary-mirror backplane structure for the James Webb Space Telescope. It requires a team of computer specialists to run successfully, because, at the time of this reporting, it just finished the prototype stage. This software improvement will transition the instrument to become available for use by many programs that measure distortion

A real-time control system for the control of suspended interferometers based on hybrid computing techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acernese, Fausto; Barone, Fabrizio; De Rosa, Rosario; Eleuteri, Antonio; Milano, Leopoldo; Pardi, Silvio; Ricciardi, Iolanda; Russo, Guido

2004-09-01

One of the main requirements of a digital system for the control of interferometric detectors of gravitational waves is the computing power, that is a direct consequence of the increasing complexity of the digital algorithms necessary for the control signals generation. For this specific task many specialized non standard real-time architectures have been developed, often very expensive and difficult to upgrade. On the other hand, such computing power is generally fully available for off-line applications on standard Pc based systems. Therefore, a possible and obvious solution may be provided by the integration of both the real-time and off-line architecture resulting in a hybrid control system architecture based on standards available components, trying to get both the advantages of the perfect data synchronization provided by the real-time systems and by the large computing power available on Pc based systems. Such integration may be provided by the implementation of the link between the two different architectures through the standard Ethernet network, whose data transfer speed is largely increasing in these years, using the TCP/IP, UDP and raw Ethernet protocols. In this paper we describe the architecture of an hybrid Ethernet based real-time control system prototype we implemented in Napoli, discussing its characteristics and performances. Finally we discuss a possible application to the real-time control of a suspended mass of the mode cleaner of the 3m prototype optical interferometer for gravitational wave detection (IDGW-3P) operational in Napoli.

Fiber-optic three axis magnetometer prototype development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Thomas D.; Mccomb, David G.; Kingston, Bradley R.; Dube, C. Michael; Poehls, Kenneth A.; Wanser, Keith

1989-01-01

The goal of this research program was to develop a high sensitivity, fiber optic, interferometric, three-axis magnetometer for interplanetary spacecraft applications. Dynamics Technology, Inc. (DTI) has successfully integrated a low noise, high bandwidth interferometer with high sensitivity metallic glass transducers. Also, DTI has developed sophisticated signal processing electronics and complete data acquisition, filtering, and display software. The sensor was packaged in a compact, low power and weight unit which facilitates deployment. The magnetic field sensor had subgamma sensitivity and a dynamic range of 10(exp 5) gamma in a 10 Hz bandwidth. Furthermore, the vector instrument exhibited the lowest noise level when only one axis was in operation. A system noise level of 1 gamma rms was observed in a 1 Hz bandwidth. However, with the other two channels operating, the noise level increased by about one order of magnitude. Higher system noise was attributed to cross-channel interference among the dither fields.

Optical fabrication and testing; Proceedings of the Meeting, Singapore, Oct. 22-27, 1990

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenzen, Manfred; Campbell, Duncan R.; Johnson, Craig W.

1991-03-01

Various papers on optical fabrication and testing are presented. Individual topics addressed include: interferometry with laser diodes, new methods for economic production of prisms and lenses, interferometer accuracy and precision, optical testing with wavelength scanning interferometer, digital Talbot interferometer, high-sensitivity interferometric technique for strain measurements, absolute interferometric testing of spherical surfaces, contouring using gratings created on an LCD panel, three-dimensional inspection using laser-based dynamic fringe projection, noncontact optical microtopography, laser scan microscope and infrared laser scan microscope, photon scanning tunneling microscopy. Also discussed are: combination-matching problems in the layout design of minilaser rangefinder, design and testing of a cube-corner array for laser ranging, mode and far-field pattern of diode laser-phased arrays, new glasses for optics and optoelectronics, optical properties of Li-doped ZnO films, application and machining of Zerodur for optical purposes, finish machining of optical components in mass production.

Optical Fiber-Tip Sensors Based on In-Situ µ-Printed Polymer Suspended-Microbeams.

PubMed

Yao, Mian; Ouyang, Xia; Wu, Jushuai; Zhang, A Ping; Tam, Hwa-Yaw; Wai, P K A

2018-06-05

Miniature optical fiber-tip sensors based on directly µ-printed polymer suspended-microbeams are presented. With an in-house optical 3D μ-printing technology, SU-8 suspended-microbeams are fabricated in situ to form Fabry⁻Pérot (FP) micro-interferometers on the end face of standard single-mode optical fiber. Optical reflection spectra of the fabricated FP micro-interferometers are measured and fast Fourier transform is applied to analyze the cavity of micro-interferometers. The applications of the optical fiber-tip sensors for refractive index (RI) sensing and pressure sensing, which showed 917.3 nm/RIU to RI change and 4.29 nm/MPa to pressure change, respectively, are demonstrated in the experiments. The sensors and their optical µ-printing method unveil a new strategy to integrate complicated microcomponents on optical fibers toward 'lab-on-fiber' devices and applications.

Optical Signal Processing: Poisson Image Restoration and Shearing Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hong, Yie-Ming

1973-01-01

Optical signal processing can be performed in either digital or analog systems. Digital computers and coherent optical systems are discussed as they are used in optical signal processing. Topics include: image restoration; phase-object visualization; image contrast reversal; optical computation; image multiplexing; and fabrication of spatial filters. Digital optical data processing deals with restoration of images degraded by signal-dependent noise. When the input data of an image restoration system are the numbers of photoelectrons received from various areas of a photosensitive surface, the data are Poisson distributed with mean values proportional to the illuminance of the incoherently radiating object and background light. Optical signal processing using coherent optical systems is also discussed. Following a brief review of the pertinent details of Ronchi's diffraction grating interferometer, moire effect, carrier-frequency photography, and achromatic holography, two new shearing interferometers based on them are presented. Both interferometers can produce variable shear.

Optical fabrication and testing; Proceedings of the Meeting, Singapore, Oct. 22-27, 1990

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lorenzen, M.; Campbell, D.R.; Johnson, C.W.

1991-01-01

Various papers on optical fabrication and testing are presented. Individual topics addressed include: interferometry with laser diodes, new methods for economic production of prisms and lenses, interferometer accuracy and precision, optical testing with wavelength scanning interferometer, digital Talbot interferometer, high-sensitivity interferometric technique for strain measurements, absolute interferometric testing of spherical surfaces, contouring using gratings created on an LCD panel, three-dimensional inspection using laser-based dynamic fringe projection, noncontact optical microtopography, laser scan microscope and infrared laser scan microscope, photon scanning tunneling microscopy. Also discussed are: combination-matching problems in the layout design of minilaser rangefinder, design and testing of a cube-corner arraymore » for laser ranging, mode and far-field pattern of diode laser-phased arrays, new glasses for optics and optoelectronics, optical properties of Li-doped ZnO films, application and machining of Zerodur for optical purposes, finish machining of optical components in mass production.« less

High-resolution differential mode delay measurement for a multimode optical fiber using a modified optical frequency domain reflectometer.

PubMed

Ahn, T-J; Kim, D

2005-10-03

A novel differential mode delay (DMD) measurement technique for a multimode optical fiber based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) has been proposed. We have obtained a high-resolution DMD value of 0.054 ps/m for a commercial multimode optical fiber with length of 50 m by using a modified OFDR in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer structure with a tunable external cavity laser and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer instead of Michelson interferometer. We have also compared the OFDR measurement results with those obtained using a traditional time-domain measurement method. DMD resolution with our proposed OFDR technique is more than an order of magnitude better than a result obtainable with a conventional time-domain method.

Compact portable diffraction moire interferometer

DOEpatents

Deason, V.A.; Ward, M.B.

1988-05-23

A compact and portable moire interferometer used to determine surface deformations of an object. The improved interferometer is comprised of a laser beam, optical and fiber optics devices coupling the beam to one or more evanescent wave splitters, and collimating lenses directing the split beam at one or more specimen gratings. Observations means including film and video cameras may be used to view and record the resultant fringe patterns. 7 figs.

Deformation analysis of tilted primary mirror for an off-axis beam compressor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, James H., III; Penado, F. Ernesto; Dugdale, Joel

2011-09-01

The Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI), located near Flagstaff, Arizona, is a ground-based interferometer that collects and transports stellar radiation from six primary flat collectors, known as siderostats, through a common vacuum relay system to a beam combiner where the beams are combined, fringes are obtained and modulated, and data are recorded for further analysis. The current number of observable stellar objects can increase from 6,000 to approximately 47,000 with the addition of down-tilting beam compressors in the optical train. The increase in photon collection area from the beam compressors opens the sky to many additional and fainter stars. The siderostats are capable of redirecting 35 cm stellar beams into the vacuum relay system. Sans beam compressors, any portion of the beam greater than the capacity of the vacuum transport system, 12.5 cm, is wasted. Engineering analysis of previously procured as-built beam compressor optics show the maximum allowable primary mirror surface sag, resulting in λ/10 peak-to-valley wavefront aberration, occurs at 2.8° down-tilt angle. At the NPOI operational down-tilt angle of 20° the wavefront aberration reduces to an unacceptable λ/4. A design modification concept that reduces tilt-induced sag was investigated. Four outwardly applied 4-lb forces on the rear surface of the mirror reduce the sag from 155 nm to 32 nm at 20° down-tilt and reduce peak-to-valley wavefront deviation to λ/8.6. This preliminary effort indicates that this solution path is a viable and economic way to repair an expensive set of optical components. However, it requires further work to optimize the locations, magnitudes, and quantity of the forces within this system and their influence on the mirror surface.

Design of an Optical OR Gate using Mach-Zehnder Interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhary, Kuldeep; Kumar, Santosh

2018-04-01

The optical switching phenomenon enhances the speed of optical communication systems. It is widely used in the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). In this work, an optical OR gate is proposed using the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure. The detailed derivation of mathematical expression have been shown. The analysis is carried out by simulating the proposed device with MATLAB and Beam propagation method.

Control of Formation-Flying Multi-Element Space Interferometers with Direct Interferometer-Output Feedback

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, Hui-Ling; Cheng, H. L.; Lyon, Richard G.; Carpenter, Kenneth G.

2007-01-01

The long-baseline space interferometer concept involving formation flying of multiple spacecraft holds great promise as future space missions for high-resolution imagery. A major challenge of obtaining high-quality interferometric synthesized images from long-baseline space interferometers is to accurately control these spacecraft and their optics payloads in the specified configuration. Our research focuses on the determination of the optical errors to achieve fine control of long-baseline space interferometers without resorting to additional sensing equipment. We present a suite of estimation tools that can effectively extract from the raw interferometric image relative x/y, piston translational and tip/tilt deviations at the exit pupil aperture. The use of these error estimates in achieving control of the interferometer elements is demonstrated using simulated as well as laboratory-collected interferometric stellar images.

Control of Formation-Flying Multi-Element Space Interferometers with Direct Interferometer-Output Feedback

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, Hui-Ling; Cheng, Victor H. L.; Lyon, Richard G.; Carpenter, Kenneth G.

2007-01-01

The long-baseline space interferometer concept involving formation flying of multiple spacecrafts holds great promise as future space missions for high-resolution imagery. A major challenge of obtaining high-quality interferometric synthesized images from long-baseline space interferometers is to accurately control these spacecraft and their optics payloads in the specified configuration. Our research focuses on the determination of the optical errors to achieve fine control of long-baseline space interferometers without resorting to additional sensing equipment. We present a suite of estimation tools that can effectively extract from the raw interferometric image relative x/y, piston translational and tip/tilt deviations at the exit pupil aperture. The use of these error estimates in achieving control of the interferometer elements is demonstrated using simulated as well as laboratory-collected interferometric stellar images.

Large-aperture interferometer using local reference beam

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howes, W. L.

1982-01-01

A large-aperture interferometer was devised by adding a local-reference-beam-generating optical system to a schlieren system. Two versions of the interferometer are demonstrated, one employing 12.7 cm (5 in.) diameter schlieren optics, the other employing 30.48 cm (12 in.) diameter parabolic mirrors in an off-axis system. In the latter configuration a cylindrical lens is introduced near the light source to correct for astigmatism. A zone plate is a satisfactory decollimating element in the reference-beam arm of the interferometer. Attempts to increase the flux and uniformity of irradiance in the reference beam by using a diffuser are discussed.

Numerical simulation and experimental verification of extended source interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Yinlong; Li, Lin; Wang, Shanshan; Wang, Xiao; Zang, Haijun; Zhu, Qiudong

2013-12-01

Extended source interferometer, compared with the classical point source interferometer, can suppress coherent noise of environment and system, decrease dust scattering effects and reduce high-frequency error of reference surface. Numerical simulation and experimental verification of extended source interferometer are discussed in this paper. In order to provide guidance for the experiment, the modeling of the extended source interferometer is realized by using optical design software Zemax. Matlab codes are programmed to rectify the field parameters of the optical system automatically and get a series of interferometric data conveniently. The communication technique of DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) was used to connect Zemax and Matlab. Then the visibility of interference fringes can be calculated through adding the collected interferometric data. Combined with the simulation, the experimental platform of the extended source interferometer was established, which consists of an extended source, interference cavity and image collection system. The decrease of high-frequency error of reference surface and coherent noise of the environment is verified. The relation between the spatial coherence and the size, shape, intensity distribution of the extended source is also verified through the analysis of the visibility of interference fringes. The simulation result is in line with the result given by real extended source interferometer. Simulation result shows that the model can simulate the actual optical interference of the extended source interferometer quite well. Therefore, the simulation platform can be used to guide the experiment of interferometer which is based on various extended sources.

Jones's matrix representation of optical instruments. II - Fourier interferometers /spectrometers and spectropolarimeters/.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fymat, A. L.

1971-01-01

Our method of matrix synthesis of optical components and instruments is applied to the derivation of Jones's matrices appropriate for Fourier interferometers (spectrometers and spectropolarimeters). These matrices are obtained for both the source beam and the detector beam. In the course of synthesis, Jones's matrices of the various reflectors (plane mirrors; retroreflectors: roofed mirror, trihedral and prism cube corner, cat's eye) used by these interferometers are also obtained.

NONLINEAR OPTICAL EFFECTS AND FIBER OPTICS: Modulation of radiation in a fiber Sagnac interferometer induced by an external field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakhidov, É. A.; Kasymdzhanov, M. A.; Mirtadzhiev, F. M.; Tartakovskiĭ, G. Kh; Khabibullaev, P. K.

1988-12-01

A study was made of the influence of the Kerr nonlinearity of a fiber waveguide on fluctuations of the output signal from a fiber-optic interferometer. The intensity fluctuations were modeled using the radiation from a pulsed high-power laser with a controlled intensity and pulse profile. Interferograms of the output radiation were obtained for different interferometer configurations. A comparison of the experiment and theory made it possible to explain the observed changes in the signal and to estimate the phase noise due to the Kerr nonlinearity in the investigated fiber waveguide.

Optical Sensors Based on Single on Arm Thin Film Waveguide Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarkisov, S. S.; Diggs, D.; Curley, M.; Adamovsky, Grigory (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Single-arm dual-mode optical waveguide interferometer utilizes interference between two modes of different order. Sensing effect results from the change in propagation conditions of the modes caused by the environment. The waveguide is made as an open asymmetric structure containing a dye-doped polymer film onto a quartz substrate. It is more sensitive to the change of environment than its conventional polarimetric analog using orthogonal modes (TE and TM) of the same order. The sensor still preserves the option of operating in polarimetric regime using a variety of mode combinations such as TE(sub 0)/TM(sub 0) (conventional) TE(sub 0)/TM(sub 1), TE(sub 1)/TM(sub 0), or TE(sub 1)/TM(sub 1) but can also work in nonpolarimetric regime using combinations TE(sub 0)/TE(sub 1) or TM(sub 0)/TM(sub 1). Utilization of different mode combinations simultaneously makes the device more versatile. Application of the sensor to gas sensing is based on doping polymer film with an organic indicator dye targeting a particular gaseous reagent. Change of the optical absorption spectrum of the dye caused by the gaseous pollutant results in change of the reactive index of the dye-doped polymer film that can be detected by the sensor. As indicator dyes we utilize Bromocresol Purple doped into polymer poly(methyl) methacrylate that is sensitive to small concentrations of ammonia. The indicator dye demonstrated an irreversible increase in optical absorption near the peak at 350 nm being exposed to 5% ammonia in pure nitrogen at 600 Torr. The dye also showed reversible growth of the absorption peak near 600 nm after exposure to a vapor of standard medical ammonia spirit (65% alcohol). We have built a breadboard prototype of the sensor with He-Ne laser as a light source and with a single mode fiber input and a multimode fiber output. The prototype showed a sensitivity to temperature change of the order of 2 C per 2pi phase shift. The sensitivity of the sensor to the presence of dTy ammonia is not less than 300 ppm per 2pi phase shift. The proposed sensor can be used as a robust stand-alone instrument for continuous environment pollution monitoring.

Enhancement of fiber-optic low-coherence Fabry-Pérot interferometer with ZnO ALD films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirsch, Marzena; Listewnik, Paulina; Jedrzejewska-Szczerska, Małgorzata

2018-04-01

In this paper investigation of the enhanced fiber-optic low coherence Fabry-Pérot interferometer with zinc oxide (ZnO) film deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was presented. Model of the interferometer, which was constructed of single-mode optical fiber with applied ZnO ALD films, was built. The interferometer was also examined by means of experiment. Measurements were performed for both reflective and transmission modes, using wavelengths of 1300 nm and 1500 nm. The measurements with the air cavity showed the best performance in terms of a visibility of the interference signal can be achieved for small cavity lengths ( 50μm) in both configurations. Combined with the enhancement of reflectance of the interferometer mirrors due to the ALD film, proposed construction could be successfully applied in refractive index (RI) sensor that can operate with improved visibility of the signal even in 1.3-1.5 RI range as well as with small volume samples, as shown by the modeling.

Apparatus and method for performing two-frequency interferometry

DOEpatents

Johnston, Roger G.

1990-01-01

The present apparatus includes a two-frequency, Zeeman-effect laser and matched, doubly refracting crystals in the construction of an accurate interferometer. Unlike other interferometric devices, the subject invention exhibits excellent phase stability owing to the use of single piece means for producing parallel interferometer arms, making the interferometer relatively insensitive to thermal and mechanical instabilities. Interferometers respond to differences in optical path length between their two arms. Unlike many interferometric techniques, which require the measurement of the location of interference fringes in a brightly illuminated background, the present invention permits the determination of the optical path length difference by measuring the phase of an electronic sine wave. The present apparatus is demonstrated as a differential thermooptic spectrometer for measuring differential optical absorption simply and accurately which is but one of many applications therefor. The relative intensities of the heating beams along each arm of the interferometer can be easily adjusted by observing a zero phase difference with identical samples when this condition is obtained.

Apparatus and method for performing two-frequency interferometry

DOEpatents

Johnston, R.G.

1988-01-25

The present apparatus includes a two-frequency, Zeeman Effect laser and matched, doubly refracting crystals in the construction of an accurate interferometer. Unlike other interferometric devices, the subject invention exhibits excellent phase stability owing to the use of single piece means for producing parallel interferometer arms, making the interferometer relatively insensitive to thermal and mechanical instabilities. Interferometers respond to differences in optical path length between their two arms. Unlike many interferometric techniques, which require the measurement of the location of interference fringes in a brightly illuminated background, the present invention permits the determination of the optical path length difference by measuring the phase of an electronic sine wave. The present apparatus is demonstrated as a differential thermooptic spectrometer for measuring differential optical absorption simply and accurately which is but one of many applications therefor. The relative intensities of the heating beams along each arm of the interferometer can be easily adjusted by observing a zero phase difference with identical samples when this condition is obtained. 6 figs.

Development of an Atom Interferometer Gravity Gradiometer for Earth Sciences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rakholia, A.; Sugarbaker, A.; Black, A.; Kasecivh, M.; Saif, B.; Luthcke, S.; Callahan, L.; Seery, B.; Feinberg, L.; Mather, J.;

A Michelson-type radio interferometer for university education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koda, Jin; Barrett, James; Shafto, Gene; Slechta, Jeff; Hasegawa, Tetsuo; Hayashi, Masahiko; Metchev, Stanimir

2016-04-01

We report development of a simple and affordable radio interferometer suitable as an educational laboratory experiment. The design of this interferometer is based on the Michelson and Pease stellar optical interferometer, but instead operates at the radio wavelength of ˜11 GHz (˜2.7 cm), requiring much less stringent optical accuracy in its design and use. We utilize a commercial broadcast satellite dish and feedhorn with two flat side mirrors that slide on a ladder, providing baseline coverage. This interferometer can resolve and measure the diameter of the Sun, even on a day with marginal weather. Commercial broadcast satellites provide convenient point sources for comparison to the Sun's extended disk. The mathematical background of an adding interferometer is presented, as is its design and development, including the receiver system, and sample measurements of the Sun. Results from a student laboratory report are shown. With the increasing importance of interferometry in astronomy, the lack of educational interferometers is an obstacle to training the future generation of astronomers. This interferometer provides the hands-on experience needed to fully understand the basic concepts of interferometry.

Simulation of the fixed optical path difference of near infrared wind imaging interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Piao; Zhang, Chunmin; Yan, Tingyu; Liu, Dongdong; Li, Yanfen

2017-02-01

As an important part of the earth, atmosphere plays a vital role in filtering the solar radiation, adjusting the temperature and organizing the water circulation and keeping human survival. The passive atmospheric wind measurement is based on the imaging interferometer technology and Doppler effect of electromagnetic wave. By using the wind imaging interferometer to get four interferograms of airglow emission lines, the atmospheric wind velocity, temperature, pressure and emission rate can be derived. Exploring the multi-functional and integrated innovation of detecting wind temperature, wind velocity and trace gas has become a research focus in the field. In the present paper, the impact factors of the fixed optical path difference(OPD) of near infrared wind imaging interferometer(NIWII) are analyzed and the optimum value of the fixed optical path difference is simulated, yielding the optimal results of the fixed optical path difference is 20 cm in near infrared wave band (the O2(a1Δg) airglow emission at 1.27 microns). This study aims at providing theoretical basis and technical support for the detection of stratosphere near infrared wind field and giving guidance for the design and development of near infrared wind imaging interferometer.

Benefits of Model Updating: A Case Study Using the Micro-Precision Interferometer Testbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neat, Gregory W.; Kissil, Andrew; Joshi, Sanjay S.

1997-01-01

This paper presents a case study on the benefits of model updating using the Micro-Precision Interferometer (MPI) testbed, a full-scale model of a future spaceborne optical interferometer located at JPL.

Integrated Optical Interferometers with Micromachined Diaphragms for Pressure Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeBrabander, Gregory N.; Boyd, Joseph T.

1996-01-01

Optical pressure sensors have been fabricated which use an integrated optical channel waveguide that is part of an interferometer to measure the pressure-induced strain in a micromachined silicon diaphragm. A silicon substrate is etched from the back of the wafer leaving a rectangular diaphragm. On the opposite side of the wafer, ring resonator and Mach-Zehnder interferometers are formed with optical channel waveguides made from a low pressure chemical vapor deposited film of silicon oxynitride. The interferometer's phase is altered by pressure-induced stress in a channel segment positioned over the long edge of the diaphragm. The phase change in the ring resonator is monitored using a link-insensitive swept frequency laser diode, while in the Mach-Zehnder it is determined using a broad band super luminescent diode with subsequent wavelength separation. The ring resonator was found to be highly temperature sensitive, while the Mach-Zehnder, which had a smaller optical path length difference, was proportionally less so. The quasi-TM mode was more sensitive to pressure, in accord with calculations. Waveguide and sensor theory, sensitivity calculations, a fabrication sequence, and experimental results are presented.

The effect of delay line on the performance of a fiber optic interferometric sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yung-Li; Lin, Ken-Huang; Lin, Wuu-Wen; Chen, Mao-Hsiung

2007-09-01

The optical fiber has the features of low loss and wide bandwidth; it has replaced the coaxial cable as the mainstream of the communication system in recent years. Because of its high sensitivity characteristic, the interferometer is usually applied to long distance, weak signal detection. In general, if the area to be monitored is located far away, the weak signal will make it uneasy to detect. An interferometer is used for phase detection. Thus, the hydrophone which is based on interferometric fiber optic sensor has extremely high sensitivity. Sagnac interferometric hydrophone has low noise of marine environment, which is more suitably used to detect underwater acoustic signal than that of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. In this paper, we propose the configuration of dual Sagnac interferometer, and use the mathematical methods to drive and design optimal two delay fiber lengths, which can enlarge the dynamic range of underwater acoustic detection. In addition, we also use software simulation to design optimal two delay fiber lengths. The experimental configuration of dual Sagnac interferometer with two optical delay line is shown as Fig. 1. The maximum and minimum measurable phase signal value of dual Sagnac interferometer (L II=2 km, L 4=222.2 m), shown in Fig. 3. The fiber optic sensor head is of mandrel type. The acoustic window is made of silicon rubbers. It was shown that we can increase their sensitivities by increasing number of wrapping fiber coils. In our experiment, the result shows that among all the mandrel sensor heads, the highest dynamic range is up to 37.6 +/- 1.4 dB, and its sensitivity is -223.3 +/-1.7 dB re V / 1μ Pa. As for the configuration of the optical interferometers, the intensity of the dual Sagnac interferometer is 20 dB larger than its Sagnac counterpart. Its dynamic range is above 66 dB where the frequency ranges is between 50 ~ 400 Hz, which is 24 dB larger than that of the Sagnac interferometer with the sensitivity of -192.0 dB re V / l μPa. In addition, by using software simulation to design optimal lengths of delay fibers, we can increase the dynamic range of interferometer on underwater acoustic detection. This paper verifies that, by means of adjusting the length of these two delay fibers, we can actually increase the dynamic range of acoustic signal detection.

Measurement-Based Linear Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, Rafael N.; Gabay, Natasha C.; Rohde, Peter P.; Menicucci, Nicolas C.

2017-03-01

A major challenge in optical quantum processing is implementing large, stable interferometers. We offer a novel approach: virtual, measurement-based interferometers that are programed on the fly solely by the choice of homodyne measurement angles. The effects of finite squeezing are captured as uniform amplitude damping. We compare our proposal to existing (physical) interferometers and consider its performance for BosonSampling, which could demonstrate postclassical computational power in the near future. We prove its efficiency in time and squeezing (energy) in this setting.

Interferometers adaptations to lidars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porteneuve, J.

1992-01-01

To perform daytime measurements of the density and temperature by Rayleigh lidar, it is necessary to select the wavelength with a very narrow spectral system. This filter is composed by an interference filter and a Fabry Perot etalon. The Fabry Perot etalon is the more performent compound, and it is necessary to build a specific optic around it. The image of the entrance pupil or the field diaphragm is at the infinite and the other diaphragm is on the etalon. The optical quality of the optical system is linked to the spectral resolution of the system to optimize the reduction of the field of view. The resolution is given by the formula: R = 8(xD/Fd)exp 2 where R = lambda/delta(lambda), x = diameter of the field diaphragm, D = diameter of the reception mirror, F = focal length of the telescope, and d = useful diameter of the etalon. In the Doppler Rayleigh lidars, the PF interferometer is the main part of the experiment and the exact spectral adaptation is the most critical problem. In the spectral adaptation of interferometers, the transmittance of the system will be acceptable if the etalon is exactly adjusted to the wavelength of the laser. It is necessary to work with a monomode laser, and adjust the shift to the bandpass of the interferometer. We are working with an interferometer built with molecular optical contact. This interferometer is put in a special pressure closed chamber.

AGILIS: Agile Guided Interferometer for Longbaseline Imaging Synthesis. Demonstration and concepts of reconfigurable optical imaging interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woillez, Julien; Lai, Olivier; Perrin, Guy; Reynaud, François; Baril, Marc; Dong, Yue; Fédou, Pierre

2017-06-01

Context. In comparison to the radio and sub-millimetric domains, imaging with optical interferometry is still in its infancy. Due to the limited number of telescopes in existing arrays, image generation is a demanding process that relies on time-consuming reconfiguration of the interferometer array and super-synthesis. Aims: Using single mode optical fibres for the coherent transport of light from the collecting telescopes to the focal plane, a new generation of interferometers optimized for imaging can be designed. Methods: To support this claim, we report on the successful completion of the `OHANA Iki project: an end-to-end, on-sky demonstration of a two-telescope interferometer, built around near-infrared single mode fibres, carried out as part of the `OHANA project. Results: Having demonstrated that coherent transport by single-mode fibres is feasible, we explore the concepts, performances, and limitations of a new imaging facility with single mode fibres at its heart: Agile Guided Interferometer for Longbaseline Imaging Synthesis (AGILIS). Conclusions: AGILIS has the potential of becoming a next generation facility or a precursor to a much larger project like the Planet Formation Imager (PFI).

Integrated structural and optical modeling of the orbiting stellar interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaklan, Stuart B.; Yu, Jeffrey W.; Briggs, Hugh C.

1993-11-01

The Integrated Modeling of Optical Systems (IMOS) Integration Workbench at JPL has been used to model the effects of structural perturbations on the optics in the proposed Orbiting Stellar Interferometer (OSI). OSI consists of 3 pairs of interferometers and delay lines attached to a 7.5 meter truss. They are interferometrically monitored from a separate boom by a laser metrology system. The spatially distributed nature of the science instrument calls for a high level of integration between the optics and support structure. Because OSI is designed to achieve micro-arcsecond astrometry, many of its alignment, stability, and knowledge tolerances are in the submicron regime. The spacecraft will be subject to vibrations caused by reaction wheels and on-board equipment, as well as thermal strain due to solar and terrestrial heating. These perturbations affect optical parameters such as optical path differences and beam co-parallelism which are critical to instrument performance. IMOS provides an environment that allows one to design and perturb the structure, attach optics to structural or non-structural nodes, trace rays, and analyze the impact of mechanical perturbations on optical performance. This tool makes it simple to change the structure and immediately see performance enhancement/degradation. We have employed IMOS to analyze the effect of reaction wheel disturbances on the optical path difference in both the science and metrology interferometers.

Two improved coherent optical feedback systems for optical information processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, S. H.; Bartholomew, B.; Cederquist, J.

1976-01-01

Coherent optical feedback systems are Fabry-Perot interferometers modified to perform optical information processing. Two new systems based on plane parallel and confocal Fabry-Perot interferometers are introduced. The plane parallel system can be used for contrast control, intensity level selection, and image thresholding. The confocal system can be used for image restoration and solving partial differential equations. These devices are simpler and less expensive than previous systems. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate their potential for optical information processing.

Parallel multiplex laser feedback interferometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Song; Tan, Yidong; Zhang, Shulian, E-mail: zsl-dpi@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn

2013-12-15

We present a parallel multiplex laser feedback interferometer based on spatial multiplexing which avoids the signal crosstalk in the former feedback interferometer. The interferometer outputs two close parallel laser beams, whose frequencies are shifted by two acousto-optic modulators by 2Ω simultaneously. A static reference mirror is inserted into one of the optical paths as the reference optical path. The other beam impinges on the target as the measurement optical path. Phase variations of the two feedback laser beams are simultaneously measured through heterodyne demodulation with two different detectors. Their subtraction accurately reflects the target displacement. Under typical room conditions, experimentalmore » results show a resolution of 1.6 nm and accuracy of 7.8 nm within the range of 100 μm.« less

An adaptive interferometer for optical testing .

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pariani, G.; Colella, L.; Bertarelli, C.; Aliverti, M.; Riva, M.; Bianco, A.

Interferometry is a well-established technique to test optical elements. However, its use is challenging in the case of free-form and aspheric elements, due to the lack of the reference optics. The proposed idea concerns the development of a versatile interferometer, where its reference arm is equipped with a reprogrammable Computer Generated Hologram. This principle takes advantage from our study on photochromic materials for optical applications, which shows a strong and reversible modulation of transparency in the visible region. The encoding of the desired hologram can be done off-line, or directly into the interferometer, and different patterns may be realized sequentially after the erasing of the previous hologram. We report on the present state of the research and on the future perspectives. skip=5pt

Optical Analysis And Alignment Applications Using The Infrared Smartt Interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanathan, V. K.; Bolen, P. D.; Liberman, I.; Seery, B. D.

1981-12-01

The possiblility of using the infrared Smartt interferometer for optical analysis and alignment of infrared laser systems has been discussed previously. In this paper, optical analysis of the Gigawatt Test Facility at Los Alamos, as well as a deformable mirror manufactured by Rocketdyne, are discussed as examples of the technique. The possibility of optically characterizing, as well as aligning, pulsed high energy laser systems like Helios and Antares is discussed in some detail.

Optical analysis and alignment applications using the infrared Smartt interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanathan, V. K.; Bolen, P. D.; Liberman, I.; Seery, B. D.

The possibility of using the infrared Smartt interferometer for optical analysis and alignment of infrared laser systems has been discussed previously. In this paper, optical analysis of the Gigawatt Test Facility at Los Alamos, as well as a deformable mirror manufactured by Rocketdyne, are discussed as examples of the technique. The possibility of optically characterizing, as well as aligning, pulsed high energy laser systems like Helios and Antares is discussed in some detail.

Compact all-fiber interferometer system for shock acceleration measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jiang; Pi, Shaohua; Hong, Guangwei; Zhao, Dong; Jia, Bo

2013-08-01

Acceleration measurement plays an important role in a variety of fields in science and engineering. In particular, the accurate, continuous and non-contact recording of the shock acceleration profiles of the free target surfaces is considered as a critical technique in shock physics. Various kinds of optical interferometers have been developed to monitor the motion of the surfaces of shocked targets since the 1960s, for instance, the velocity interferometer system for any reflector, the fiber optic accelerometer, the photonic Doppler velocimetry system and the displacement interferometer. However, most of such systems rely on the coherent quasi-monochromatic illumination and discrete optic elements, which are costly in setting-up and maintenance. In 1996, L. Levin et al reported an interferometric fiber-optic Doppler velocimeter with high-dynamic range, in which fiber-coupled components were used to replace the discrete optic elements. However, the fringe visibility of the Levin's system is low because of the coupled components, which greatly limits the reliability and accuracy in the shock measurement. In this paper, a compact all-fiber interferometer system for measuring the shock acceleration is developed and tested. The advantage of the system is that not only removes the non-interfering light and enhances the fringe visibility, but also reduces polarization induced signal fading and the polarization induced phase shift. Moreover, it also does not require a source of long coherence length. The system bases entirely on single-mode fiber optics and mainly consists of a polarization beam splitter, a faraday rotator, a depolarizer and a 3×3 single-mode fiber coupler which work at 1310 nm wavelength. The optical systems of the interferometer are described and the experimental results compared with a shock acceleration calibration system with a pneumatic exciter (PneuShockTM Model 9525C by The Modal Shop) are reported. In the shock acceleration test, the interferometer system measured shock acceleration with peak accelerations of ~100,000 m/s2 and the durations of ~0.2 ms which are conformed to the results of the shock acceleration calibration system. The measured relative error of the acceleration is within 3%.

Iodine-frequency-stabilized laser diode and displacement-measuring interferometer based on sinusoidal phase modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duong, Quang Anh; Vu, Thanh Tung; Higuchi, Masato; Wei, Dong; Aketagawa, Masato

2018-06-01

We propose a sinusoidal phase modulation method to achieve both the frequency stabilization of an external-cavity laser diode (ECLD) to an 127I2 saturated absorption transition near 633 nm and displacement measurement using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. First, the frequency of the ECLD is stabilized to the b 21 hyperfine component of the P(33) 6-3 transition of 127I2 by combining sinusoidal phase modulation by an electro-optic modulator and frequency modulation spectroscopy by chopping the pump beam using an acousto-optic modulator. Even though a small modulation index of m  =  3.768 rad is utilized, a relative frequency stability of 10‑11 order is obtained over a sampling time of 400 s. Secondly, the frequency-stabilized ECLD is applied as a light source to a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. From the two consecutive modulation harmonics (second and third orders) involved in the interferometer signal, the displacement of the moving mirror is determined for four optical path differences (L 0  =  100, 200, 500, and 1000 mm). The measured modulation indexes for the four optical path differences coincide with the designated value (3.768 rad) within 0.5%. Compared with the sinusoidal frequency modulation Michelson interferometer (Vu et al 2016 Meas. Sci. Technol. 27 105201) which was demonstrated by some of the same authors of this paper, the phase modulation Mach–Zhender interferometer could fix the modulation index to a constant value for the four optical path differences. In this report, we discuss the measurement principle, experimental system, and results.

Subaperture metrology technologies extend capabilities in optics manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tricard, Marc; Forbes, Greg; Murphy, Paul

2005-10-01

Subaperture polishing technologies have radically changed the landscape of precision optics manufacturing and enabled the production of higher precision optics with increasingly difficult figure requirements. However, metrology is a critical piece of the optics fabrication process, and the dependence on interferometry is especially acute for computer-controlled, deterministic finishing. Without accurate full-aperture metrology, figure correction using subaperture polishing technologies would not be possible. QED Technologies has developed the Subaperture Stitching Interferometer (SSI) that extends the effective aperture and dynamic range of a phase measuring interferometer. The SSI's novel developments in software and hardware improve the capacity and accuracy of traditional interferometers, overcoming many of the limitations previously faced. The SSI performs high-accuracy automated measurements of spheres, flats, and mild aspheres up to 200 mm in diameter by stitching subaperture data. The system combines a six-axis precision workstation, a commercial Fizeau interferometer of 4" or 6" aperture, and dedicated software. QED's software automates the measurement design, data acquisition, and mathematical reconstruction of the full-aperture phase map. The stitching algorithm incorporates a general framework for compensating several types of errors introduced by the interferometer and stage mechanics. These include positioning errors, viewing system distortion, the system reference wave error, etc. The SSI has been proven to deliver the accurate and flexible metrology that is vital to precision optics fabrication. This paper will briefly review the capabilities of the SSI as a production-ready, metrology system that enables costeffective manufacturing of precision optical surfaces.

Frequency stabilization for space-based missions using optical fiber interferometry.

PubMed

McRae, Terry G; Ngo, Silvie; Shaddock, Daniel A; Hsu, Magnus T L; Gray, Malcolm B

2013-02-01

We present measurement results for a laser frequency reference, implemented with an all-optical fiber Michelson interferometer, down to frequencies as low as 1 mHz. Optical fiber is attractive for space-based operations as it is physically robust, small and lightweight. The small free spectral range of fiber interferometers also provides the possibility to prestabilize two lasers on two distant spacecraft and ensures that the beatnote remains within the detector bandwidth. We demonstrate that these fiber interferometers are viable candidates for future laser-based gravity recovery and climate experiment missions requiring a stability of 30 Hz/√Hz over a 10 mHz-1 Hz bandwidth.

A heterodyne interferometer for high resolution translation and tilt measurement as optical readout for the LISA inertial sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuldt, Thilo; Kraus, Hans-Jürgen; Weise, Dennis; Braxmaier, Claus; Peters, Achim; Johann, Ulrich

2017-11-01

The space-based gravitational wave detector LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) requires a high performance position sensor in order to measure the translation and tilt of the free flying test mass with respect to the LISA optical bench. Here, we present a mechanically highly stable and compact setup of a heterodyne interferometer combined with differential wavefront sensing for the tilt measurement which serves as a demonstrator for an optical readout of the LISA test mass position. First results show noise levels below 1 nm/√Hz and 1 μrad/√Hz, respectively, for frequencies < 10-3 Hz.

Heterodyne interferometer with angstrom-level periodic nonlinearity

DOEpatents

Schmitz, Tony L.; Beckwith, John F.

2005-01-25

Displacement measuring interferometer systems and methods are disclosed. One or more acousto-optic modulators for receiving a laser light beam from a laser light source can be utilized to split the laser light beam into two or more laser light beams, while spatially separating frequencies thereof. One or more reflective mechanisms can be utilized to reflect one or more of the laser light beams back to the acousto-optic modulator. Interference of two or more of the laser light beams generally at the acousto-optic modulator can provide an interfered laser light beam thereof. A detector for receiving the interfered laser light beam can be utilized to provide interferometer measurement data.

Polarization Considerations for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waluschka, Eugene; Pedersen, Tracy R.; McNamara, Paul

2005-01-01

A polarization ray trace model of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna s (LISA) optical path is being created. The model will be able to assess the effects of various polarizing elements and the optical coatings on the required, very long path length, picometer level dynamic interferometry. The computational steps are described. This should eliminate any ambiguities associated with polarization ray tracing of interferometers and provide a basis for determining the computer model s limitations and serve as a clearly defined starting point for future work.

DESIGN NOTE: From nanometre to millimetre: a feasibility study of the combination of scanning probe microscopy and combined optical and x-ray interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yacoot, Andrew; Koenders, Ludger

2003-09-01

This feasibility study investigates the potential combination of an x-ray interferometer and optical interferometer as a one-dimensional long range high resolution scanning stage for an atomic force microscope (AFM) in order to overcome the problems of non-linearity associated with conventional AFMs and interferometers. Preliminary results of measurements of the uniformity of the period of a grating used as a transfer standards show variations in period at the nanometre level.

Machinability of Stellite 6 hardfacing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benghersallah, M.; Boulanouar, L.; Le Coz, G.; Devillez, A.; Dudzinski, D.

2010-06-01

This paper reports some experimental findings concerning the machinability at high cutting speed of nickel-base weld-deposited hardfacings for the manufacture of hot tooling. The forging work involves extreme impacts, forces, stresses and temperatures. Thus, mould dies must be extremely resistant. The aim of the project is to create a rapid prototyping process answering to forging conditions integrating a Stellite 6 hardfacing deposed PTA process. This study talks about the dry machining of the hardfacing, using a two tips machining tool and a high speed milling machine equipped by a power consumption recorder Wattpilote. The aim is to show the machinability of the hardfacing, measuring the power and the tip wear by optical microscope and white light interferometer, using different strategies and cutting conditions.

Optically phase-locked electronic speckle pattern interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moran, Steven E.; Law, Robert; Craig, Peter N.; Goldberg, Warren M.

1987-02-01

The design, theory, operation, and characteristics of an optically phase-locked electronic speckle pattern interferometer (OPL-ESPI) are described. The OPL-ESPI system couples an optical phase-locked loop with an ESPI system to generate real-time equal Doppler speckle contours of moving objects from unstable sensor platforms. In addition, the optical phase-locked loop provides the basis for a new ESPI video signal processing technique which incorporates local oscillator phase shifting coupled with video sequential frame subtraction.

A fiber-optic interferometer with subpicometer resolution for dc and low-frequency displacement measurement.

PubMed

Smith, D T; Pratt, J R; Howard, L P

2009-03-01

We have developed a fiber-optic interferometer optimized for best performance in the frequency range from dc to 1 kHz, with displacement linearity of 1% over a range of +/- 25 nm, and noise-limited resolution of 2 pm. The interferometer uses a tunable infrared laser source (nominal 1550 nm wavelength) with high amplitude and wavelength stability, low spontaneous self-emission noise, high sideband suppression, and a coherence control feature that broadens the laser linewidth and dramatically lowers the low-frequency noise in the system. The amplitude stability of the source, combined with the use of specially manufactured "bend-insensitive" fiber and all-spliced fiber construction, results in a robust homodyne interferometer system, which achieves resolution of 40 fm Hz(-1/2) above 20 Hz and approaches the shot-noise-limit of 20 fm Hz(-1/2) at 1 kHz for an optical power of 10 microW, without the need for differential detection. Here we describe the design and construction of the interferometer, as well as modes of operation, and demonstrate its performance.

Reconfiguration of the multiwavelength operation of optical fiber ring lasers by the modifiable intra-cavity induced losses of an in-fiber tip probe modal Michelson interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salceda-Delgado, G.; Martinez-Rios, A.; Sierra-Hernandez, J. M.; Rodríguez-Carreón, V. C.; Toral-Acosta, D.; Selvas-Aguilar, R.; Álvarez-Tamayo, R. I.; Castillo-Guzman, A. A.; Rojas-Laguna, R.

2018-03-01

A straightforward and versatile method for switching from single to different multiwavelength laser emission in ring cavity fiber lasers is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. The method is based on using the changeable interference pattern from an optical fiber modal Michelson interferometer as a wavelength selective filter into the ring cavity laser. The interferometer is constructed using a bi-conical tapered fiber and a single-mode fiber segment, with these being spliced together to form an optical fiber tip probe. When the length of the single-mode fiber piece is modified, the phase difference between the interfering modes of the interferometer causes a change in the interferometer free spectral range. As a consequence, the laser intra-cavity losses lead to gain competition, which allows us to adjust the number of simultaneously generated laser lines. A multiwavelength reconfiguration of the laser from one up to a maximum of eight emission lines was obtained, with a maximum SNR of around 47 dBm.

Optical Interferometry Motivation and History

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawson, Peter

2006-01-01

A history and motivation of stellar interferometry is presented. The topics include: 1) On Tides, Organ Pipes, and Soap Bubbles; 2) Armand Hippolyte Fizeau (1819-1896); 3) Fizeau Suggests Stellar Interferometry 1867; 4) Edouard Stephan (1837-1923); 5) Foucault Refractor; 6) Albert A. Michelson (1852-1931); 7) On the Application of Interference Methods to Astronomy (1890); 8) Moons of Jupiter (1891); 9) Other Applications in 19th Century; 10) Timeline of Interferometry to 1938; 11) 30 years goes by; 12) Mount Wilson Observatory; 13) Michelson's 20 ft Interferometer; 14) Was Michelson Influenced by Fizeau? 15) Work Continues in the 1920s and 30s; 16) 50 ft Interferometer (1931-1938); 17) Light Paths in the 50 ft Interferometer; 18) Ground-level at the 50 ft; 19) F.G. Pease (1881-1938); 20) Timeline of Optical Interferometry to 1970; 21) A New Type of Stellar Interferometer (1956); 22) Intensity Interferometer (1963- 1976; 23) Robert Hanbury Brown; 24) Interest in Optical Interferometry in the 1960s; 25) Interferometry in the Early 1970s; and 26) A New Frontier is Opened up in 1974.

Direct Measurement of Large, Diffuse, Optical Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saif, Babak N.; Keski-Kuha, Ritva; Feinberg, Lee; Wyant, J. C.; Atkinson, C.

2004-01-01

Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometry (DSPI) is a well-established method for the measurement of diffuse objects in experimental mechanics. DSPIs are phase shifting interferometers. Three or four bucket temporal phase shifting algorithms are commonly used to provide phase shifting. These algorithms are sensitive to vibrations and can not be used to measure large optical structures far away from the interferometer. In this research a simultaneous phase shifted interferometer, PhaseCam product of 4D Technology Corporation in Tucson Arizona, is modified to be a Simultaneous phase shifted Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometer (SDSPI). Repeatability, dynamic range, and accuracy of the SDSPI are characterized by measuring a 5 cm x 5 cm carbon fiber coupon.

Optimal phase measurements with bright- and vacuum-seeded SU(1,1) interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Brian E.; Schmittberger, Bonnie L.; Gupta, Prasoon; Jones, Kevin M.; Lett, Paul D.

2017-06-01

The SU(1,1) interferometer can be thought of as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with its linear beam splitters replaced with parametric nonlinear optical processes. We consider the cases of bright- and vacuum-seeded SU(1,1) interferometers using intensity or homodyne detectors. A simplified truncated scheme with only one nonlinear interaction is introduced, which not only beats conventional intensity detection with a bright seed, but can saturate the phase-sensitivity bound set by the quantum Fisher information. We also show that the truncated scheme achieves a sub-shot-noise phase sensitivity in the vacuum-seeded case, despite the phase-sensing optical beams having no well-defined phase.

Practical aspects of modern interferometry for optical manufacturing quality control: Part 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smythe, Robert

2012-07-01

Modern phase shifting interferometers enable the manufacture of optical systems that drive the global economy. Semiconductor chips, solid-state cameras, cell phone cameras, infrared imaging systems, space based satellite imaging and DVD and Blu-Ray disks are all enabled by phase shifting interferometers. Theoretical treatments of data analysis and instrument design advance the technology but often are not helpful towards the practical use of interferometers. An understanding of the parameters that drive system performance is critical to produce useful results. Any interferometer will produce a data map and results; this paper, in three parts, reviews some of the key issues to minimize error sources in that data and provide a valid measurement.

Practical aspects of modern interferometry for optical manufacturing quality control, Part 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smythe, Robert A.

2012-09-01

Modern phase shifting interferometers enable the manufacture of optical systems that drive the global economy. Semiconductor chips, solid-state cameras, cell phone cameras, infrared imaging systems, space-based satellite imaging, and DVD and Blu-Ray disks are all enabled by phase-shifting interferometers. Theoretical treatments of data analysis and instrument design advance the technology but often are not helpful toward the practical use of interferometers. An understanding of the parameters that drive the system performance is critical to produce useful results. Any interferometer will produce a data map and results; this paper, in three parts, reviews some of the key issues to minimize error sources in that data and provide a valid measurement.

Study of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen state for space-time variables in a two photon interference experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, Y. H.; Sergienko, A. V.; Rubin, M. H.

1993-01-01

A pair of correlated photons generated from parametric down conversion was sent to two independent Michelson interferometers. Second order interference was studied by means of a coincidence measurement between the outputs of two interferometers. The reported experiment and analysis studied this second order interference phenomena from the point of view of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox. The experiment was done in two steps. The first step of the experiment used 50 psec and 3 nsec coincidence time windows simultaneously. The 50 psec window was able to distinguish a 1.5 cm optical path difference in the interferometers. The interference visibility was measured to be 38 percent and 21 percent for the 50 psec time window and 22 percent and 7 percent for the 3 nsec time window, when the optical path difference of the interferometers were 2 cm and 4 cm, respectively. By comparing the visibilities between these two windows, the experiment showed the non-classical effect which resulted from an E.P.R. state. The second step of the experiment used a 20 psec coincidence time window, which was able to distinguish a 6 mm optical path difference in the interferometers. The interference visibilities were measured to be 59 percent for an optical path difference of 7 mm. This is the first observation of visibility greater than 50 percent for a two interferometer E.P.R. experiment which demonstrates nonclassical correlation of space-time variables.

High-Speed Scanning Interferometer Using CMOS Image Sensor and FPGA Based on Multifrequency Phase-Tracking Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ohara, Tetsuo

2012-01-01

A sub-aperture stitching optical interferometer can provide a cost-effective solution for an in situ metrology tool for large optics; however, the currently available technologies are not suitable for high-speed and real-time continuous scan. NanoWave s SPPE (Scanning Probe Position Encoder) has been proven to exhibit excellent stability and sub-nanometer precision with a large dynamic range. This same technology can transform many optical interferometers into real-time subnanometer precision tools with only minor modification. The proposed field-programmable gate array (FPGA) signal processing concept, coupled with a new-generation, high-speed, mega-pixel CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) image sensor, enables high speed (>1 m/s) and real-time continuous surface profiling that is insensitive to variation of pixel sensitivity and/or optical transmission/reflection. This is especially useful for large optics surface profiling.

Dispersion analysis and measurement of potassium tantalate niobate crystals by broadband optical interferometers.

PubMed

Ren, Jian

2017-01-10

Electro-optic crystals, such as potassium tantalate niobate [KTa_1-xNb_xO₃(KTN)], are enabling materials for many optical devices. Their utility in broadband applications heavily depends on their dispersion property. To this end, an analysis of dispersion mismatch in broadband optical interferometers is first presented. Then a method utilizing polynomial phase fitting to measure the dispersion property of materials composing the arms of an interferometer is introduced. As a demonstration, an interferometry system based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) was built, where, for the first time, the group velocity dispersion of a KTN crystal around 1310 nm was measured and numerically compensated for OCT imaging. Several advantages over a widely used method in OCT, which is based on metric functions, are discussed. The results show the fitting method can provide a more reliable measurement with reduced computation complexity.

In-line interferometer for broadband near-field scanning optical spectroscopy.

PubMed

Brauer, Jens; Zhan, Jinxin; Chimeh, Abbas; Korte, Anke; Lienau, Christoph; Gross, Petra

2017-06-26

We present and investigate a novel approach towards broad-bandwidth near-field scanning optical spectroscopy based on an in-line interferometer for homodyne mixing of the near field and a reference field. In scattering-type scanning near-field optical spectroscopy, the near-field signal is usually obscured by a large amount of unwanted background scattering from the probe shaft and the sample. Here we increase the light reflected from the sample by a semi-transparent gold layer and use it as a broad-bandwidth, phase-stable reference field to amplify the near-field signal in the visible and near-infrared spectral range. We experimentally demonstrate that this efficiently suppresses the unwanted background signal in monochromatic near-field measurements. For rapid acquisition of complete broad-bandwidth spectra we employ a monochromator and a fast line camera. Using this fast acquisition of spectra and the in-line interferometer we demonstrate the measurement of pure near-field spectra. The experimental observations are quantitatively explained by analytical expressions for the measured optical signals, based on Fourier decomposition of background and near field. The theoretical model and in-line interferometer together form an important step towards broad-bandwidth near-field scanning optical spectroscopy.

Fiber optic system design for vehicle detection and analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedoma, Jan; Zboril, Ondrej; Fajkus, Marcel; Zavodny, Petr; Kepak, Stanislav; Bednarek, Lukas; Martinek, Radek; Vasinek, Vladimir

2016-04-01

Fiber optic interferometers belong to a group of highly sensitive and precise devices enabling to measure small changes in the deformation shapes, changes in pressure, temperature, vibration and so on. The basis of their activity is to evaluate the number of fringes over time, not changes in the intensity of the optical signal. The methodology described in the article is based on using the interferometer to monitor traffic density. The base of the solution is a Mach-Zehnder interferometer operating with single-mode G.652 optical fiber at the wavelength of 1550 nm excited by a DFB laser. The power distribution of the laser light into the individual arms of the interferometer is in the ratio 1:1. Realized measuring scheme was terminated by an optical receiver including InGaAs PIN photodiode. Registered signal from the photodetector was through 8 Hz high pass filter fed to the measuring card that captures the analog input voltage using an application written in LabView development environment. The interferometer was stored in a waterproof box and placed at the side of the road. Here panned individual transit of cars in his environs. Vertically across the road was placed in contact removable belt simulating a retarder, which was used when passing cars to create sufficient vibration response detecting interferometer. The results demonstrated that the individual vehicles passing around boxing showed characteristic amplitude spectra, which was unique for each object, and had sufficient value signal to noise ratio (SNR). The signal was processed by applications developed for the amplitude-frequency spectrum. Evaluated was the maximum amplitude of the signal and compared to the noise. The results were verified by repeated transit of the different types of cars.

Multiple-Baseline Detection of a Geostationary Satellite with the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

Multiple-baseline detection of a geostationary satellite with the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer J. Thomas Armstronga, Ellyn K. Bainesa...observations of a geostationary satellite using the Navy Precision Optical Inter- ferometer (NPOI) during the glint season of March 2015. We succeeded in...the second night. These baseline lengths correspond to a resolution of ∼4 m at geostationary altitude. This is the first multiple-baseline

All-optical switch consisting of two-stage interferometers controlled by using saturable absorption of monolayer graphene.

PubMed

Oya, Masayuki; Kishikawa, Hiroki; Goto, Nobuo; Yanagiya, Shin-ichiro

2012-11-19

At routing nodes in future photonic networks, pico-second switching will be a key function. We propose an all-optical switch consisting of two-stage Mach-Zehnder interferometers, whose arms contain graphene saturable absorption films. Optical amplitudes along the interferometers are controlled to perform switching between two output ports instead of phase control used in conventional switches. Since only absorption is used for realizing complete switching, insertion loss of 10.2 dB is accompanied in switching. Picosecond response can be expected because of the fast response of saturable absorption of graphene. The switching characteristics are theoretically analyzed and numerically simulated by the finite-difference beam propagation method (FD-BPM).

Optical fiber interferometer for the study of ultrasonic waves in composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Claus, R. O.; Zewekh, P. S.; Turner, T. M.; Wade, J. C.; Rogers, R. T.; Garg, A. O.

1981-01-01

The possibility of acoustic emission detection in composites using embedded optical fibers as sensing elements was investigated. Optical fiber interferometry, fiber acoustic sensitivity, fiber interferometer calibration, and acoustic emission detection are reported. Adhesive bond layer dynamical properties using ultrasonic interface waves, the design and construction of an ultrasonic transducer with a two dimensional Gaussian pressure profile, and the development of an optical differential technique for the measurement of surface acoustic wave particle displacements and propagation direction are also examined.

A chevron beam-splitter interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breckinridge, J. B.

1979-01-01

Fully tilt compensated double-pass chevron beam splitter, that removes channelling effects and permits optical phase tuning, is wavelength independent and allows small errors in alignment that are not tolerated in Michelson, Machzender, or Sagnac interferometers. Device is very useful in experiments where background vibration affects conventional interferometers.

All-optical negabinary adders using Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherri, A. K.

2011-02-01

In contrast to optoelectronics, all-optical adders are proposed where all-optical signals are used to represent the input numbers and the control signals. In addition, the all-optical adders use the negabinary modified signed-digit number representation (an extension of the negabinary number system) to represent the input digits. Further, the ultra-speed of the designed circuits is achieved due to the use of ultra-fast all-optical switching property of the semiconductor optical amplifier and Mach-Zehnder interferometer (SOA-MZI). Furthermore, two-bit per digit binary encoding scheme is employed to represent the trinary values of the negabinary modified signed-digits.

Development of an ultrasensitive interferometry system as a key to precision metrology applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gohlke, Martin; Schuldt, Thilo; Weise, Dennis; Johann, Ulrich; Peters, Achim; Braxmaier, Claus

2009-06-01

We present a symmetric heterodyne interferometer as a prototype of a highly sensitive translation and tilt measurement system. This compact optical metrology system was developed over the past several years by EADS Astrium (Friedrichshafen) in cooperation with the Humboldt-University (Berlin) and the university of applied science Konstanz (HTWG-Konstanz). The noise performance was tested at frequencies between 10-4 and 3 Hz, the noise levels are below 1 nm/Hz 1/2 for translation and below 1 μrad/Hz1/2, for tilt measurements. For frequencies higher than 10 mHz noise levels below 5pm/Hz1/2 and 4 nrad/Hz1/2 respectively, were demonstrated. Based on this highly sensitive metrology system we also developed a dilatometer for the characterization of the CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) of various materials, i.e. CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) or Zerodur. The currently achieved sensitivity of these measurements is better than 10-7 K-1. Future planned applications of the interferometer include ultra-high-precision surface profiling and characterization of actuator noise in low-noise opto-mechanics setups. We will give an overview of the current experimental setup and the latest measurement results.

Dual beam optical interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gutierrez, Roman C. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A dual beam interferometer device is disclosed that enables moving an optics module in a direction, which changes the path lengths of two beams of light. The two beams reflect off a surface of an object and generate different speckle patterns detected by an element, such as a camera. The camera detects a characteristic of the surface.

Holographic Twyman-Green interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, C. W.; Breckinridge, J. B.

1982-01-01

A dichromated gelatin off-axis Fresnel zone plate was designed, fabricated, and used in a new type of interferometer for optical metrology. This single hologram optical element combines the functions of a beam splitter, beam diverger, and aberrated null lens. Data presented show the successful application for an interferometric test of an f/6, 200-mm diam parabolic mirror.

Last technology and results from the IOTA interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedretti, Ettore; Traub, Wesley A.; Monnier, John D.; Schuller, Peter A.; Ragland, Sam; Berger, Jean–Philippe; Millan-Gabet, Rafael; Wallace, Gary; Burke, Michael; Lacasse, Marc G.; Thureau, Nathalie D.; Carleton, Nathaniel

2008-07-01

The infrared optical telescope array (IOTA), one of the most productive interferometers in term of science and new technologies was decommissioned in summer 2006. We discuss the testing of a low-resolution spectrograph coupled with the IOTA-3T integrated-optics beam combiner and some of the scientific results obtained from this instrument.

Optical diffraction interpretation: an alternative to interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouillet, S.; Audo, F.; Fréville, S.; Eupherte, L.; Rouyer, C.; Daurios, J.

2015-08-01

The Laser MégaJoule (LMJ) is a French high power laser project that requires thousands of large optical components. The wavefront performances of all those optics are critical to achieve the desired focal spot shape and to limit the hot spots that could damage the components. Fizeau interferometers and interferometric microscopes are the most commonly used tools to cover the whole range of interesting spatial frequencies. Anyway, in some particular cases like diffractive and/or coated and/or aspheric optics, an interferometric set-up becomes very expensive with the need to build a costly reference component or a specific to-the-wavelength designed interferometer. Despite the increasing spatial resolution of Fizeau interferometers, it may even not be enough, if you are trying to access the highest spatial frequencies of a transmitted wavefront for instance. The method we developed is based upon laser beam diffraction intermediate field measurements and their interpretation with a Fourier analysis and the Talbot effect theory. We demonstrated in previous papers that it is a credible alternative to classical methods. In this paper we go further by analyzing main error sources and discussing main practical difficulties.

Optical analog-to-digital converter

DOEpatents

Vawter, G Allen [Corrales, NM; Raring, James [Goleta, CA; Skogen, Erik J [Albuquerque, NM

2009-07-21

An optical analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is disclosed which converts an input optical analog signal to an output optical digital signal at a sampling rate defined by a sampling optical signal. Each bit of the digital representation is separately determined using an optical waveguide interferometer and an optical thresholding element. The interferometer uses the optical analog signal and the sampling optical signal to generate a sinusoidally-varying output signal using cross-phase-modulation (XPM) or a photocurrent generated from the optical analog signal. The sinusoidally-varying output signal is then digitized by the thresholding element, which includes a saturable absorber or at least one semiconductor optical amplifier, to form the optical digital signal which can be output either in parallel or serially.

Fast and low power Michelson interferometer thermo-optical switch on SOI.

PubMed

Song, Junfeng; Fang, Q; Tao, S H; Liow, T Y; Yu, M B; Lo, G Q; Kwong, D L

2008-09-29

We designed and fabricated silicon-on-insulator based Michelson interferometer (MI) thermo-optical switches with deep etched trenches for heat-isolation. Switch power was reduced approximately 20% for the switch with deep etched trenches, and the MI saved approximately 50% power than that of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. 10.6 mW switch power, approximately 42 micros switch time for the MI with deep trenches, 13.14 mW switch power and approximately 34 micros switch time for the MI without deep trenches were achieved.

Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer with cavities: Theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Olindo, C.; Sagioro, M. A.; Monken, C. H.

2006-04-15

We study the number of coincidences in a Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer exit whose arms have been supplemented with the addition of one or two optical cavities. The fourth-order correlation function at the beam splitter exit is calculated. In the regime where the cavities lengths are larger than the one-photon coherence length, photon coalescence and anticoalescence interference is observed. Feynman's path diagrams for the indistinguishable processes that lead to quantum interference are presented. The construction of an optical XOR gate is discussed as an application for the Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer with two cavities.

Software system design for the non-null digital Moiré interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Meng; Hao, Qun; Hu, Yao; Wang, Shaopu; Li, Tengfei; Li, Lin

2016-11-01

Aspheric optical components are an indispensable part of modern optics systems. With the development of aspheric optical elements fabrication technique, high-precision figure error test method of aspheric surfaces is a quite urgent issue now. We proposed a digital Moiré interferometer technique (DMIT) based on partial compensation principle for aspheric and freeform surface measurement. Different from traditional interferometer, DMIT consists of a real and a virtual interferometer. The virtual interferometer is simulated with Zemax software to perform phase-shifting and alignment. We can get the results by a series of calculation with the real interferogram and virtual interferograms generated by computer. DMIT requires a specific, reliable software system to ensure its normal work. Image acquisition and data processing are two important parts in this system. And it is also a challenge to realize the connection between the real and virtual interferometer. In this paper, we present a software system design for DMIT with friendly user interface and robust data processing features, enabling us to acquire the figure error of the measured asphere. We choose Visual C++ as the software development platform and control the ideal interferometer by using hybrid programming with Zemax. After image acquisition and data transmission, the system calls image processing algorithms written with Matlab to calculate the figure error of the measured asphere. We test the software system experimentally. In the experiment, we realize the measurement of an aspheric surface and prove the feasibility of the software system.

Phase-shifting point diffraction interferometer

DOEpatents

Medecki, H.

1998-11-10

Disclosed is a point diffraction interferometer for evaluating the quality of a test optic. In operation, the point diffraction interferometer includes a source of radiation, the test optic, a beam divider, a reference wave pinhole located at an image plane downstream from the test optic, and a detector for detecting an interference pattern produced between a reference wave emitted by the pinhole and a test wave emitted from the test optic. The beam divider produces separate reference and test beams which focus at different laterally separated positions on the image plane. The reference wave pinhole is placed at a region of high intensity (e.g., the focal point) for the reference beam. This allows reference wave to be produced at a relatively high intensity. Also, the beam divider may include elements for phase shifting one or both of the reference and test beams. 8 figs.

Phase-shifting point diffraction interferometer

DOEpatents

Medecki, Hector

1998-01-01

Disclosed is a point diffraction interferometer for evaluating the quality of a test optic. In operation, the point diffraction interferometer includes a source of radiation, the test optic, a beam divider, a reference wave pinhole located at an image plane downstream from the test optic, and a detector for detecting an interference pattern produced between a reference wave emitted by the pinhole and a test wave emitted from the test optic. The beam divider produces separate reference and test beams which focus at different laterally separated positions on the image plane. The reference wave pinhole is placed at a region of high intensity (e.g., the focal point) for the reference beam. This allows reference wave to be produced at a relatively high intensity. Also, the beam divider may include elements for phase shifting one or both of the reference and test beams.

A new method for determining the plasma electron density using optical frequency comb interferometer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arakawa, Hiroyuki, E-mail: arakawa@fmt.teikyo-u.ac.jp; Tojo, Hiroshi; Sasao, Hajime

2014-04-15

A new method of plasma electron density measurement using interferometric phases (fractional fringes) of an optical frequency comb interferometer is proposed. Using the characteristics of the optical frequency comb laser, high density measurement can be achieved without fringe counting errors. Simulations show that the short wavelength and wide wavelength range of the laser source and low noise in interferometric phases measurements are effective to reduce ambiguity of measured density.

Cost-Effective Magnetoencephalography Based on Time Encoded Optical Fiber Interferometry for Epilepsy and Tinnitus

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

Thanks to the elegant reciprocal geometry of the Sagnac interferometer, many sources of drift that would present in other polarimetry techniques were...interferometers. And is 2 orders of magnitude better than competing polarimetry -based Faraday techniques. Couple a Rb Vapor cell to the Sagnac interferometer

A simple pendulum borehole tiltmeter based on a triaxial optical-fibre displacement sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chawah, P.; Chéry, J.; Boudin, F.; Cattoen, M.; Seat, H. C.; Plantier, G.; Lizion, F.; Sourice, A.; Bernard, P.; Brunet, C.; Boyer, D.; Gaffet, S.

2015-11-01

Sensitive instruments like strainmeters and tiltmeters are necessary for measuring slowly varying low amplitude Earth deformations. Nonetheless, laser and fibre interferometers are particularly suitable for interrogating such instruments due to their extreme precision and accuracy. In this paper, a practical design of a simple pendulum borehole tiltmeter based on laser fibre interferometric displacement sensors is presented. A prototype instrument has been constructed using welded borosilicate with a pendulum length of 0.85 m resulting in a main resonance frequency of 0.6 Hz. By implementing three coplanar extrinsic fibre Fabry-Perot interferometric probes and appropriate signal filtering, our instrument provides tilt measurements that are insensitive to parasitic deformations caused by temperature and pressure variations. This prototype has been installed in an underground facility (Rustrel, France) where results show accurate measurements of Earth strains derived from Earth and ocean tides, local hydrologic effects, as well as local and remote earthquakes. The large dynamic range and the high sensitivity of this tiltmeter render it an invaluable tool for numerous geophysical applications such as transient fault motion, volcanic strain and reservoir monitoring.

MMI-based MOEMS FT spectrometer for visible and IR spectral ranges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Demerdash, Bassem M.; Medhat, Mostafa; Sabry, Yasser M.; Saadany, Bassam; Khalil, Diaa

2014-03-01

MEMS spectrometers have very strong potential in future healthcare and environmental monitoring applications, where Michelson interferometers are the core optical engine. Recently, MEMS Michelson interferometers based on using silicon interface as a beam splitter (BS) has been proposed [7, 8]. This allows having a monolithically-integrated on-chip FTIR spectrometer. However silicon BS exhibits high absorption loss in the visible range and high material dispersion in the near infrared (NIR) range. For this reason, we propose in this work a novel MOEMS interferometer allowing operation over wider spectral range covering both the infrared (IR) and the visible ranges. The proposed architecture is based on spatial splitting and combining of optical beams using the imaging properties of Multi-Mode Interference MMI waveguide. The proposed structure includes an optical splitter for spatial splitting an input beam into two beams and a combiner for spatial combining the two interferometer beams. A MEMS moveable mirror is provided to produce an optical path difference between the two beams. The new interferometer is fabricated using DRIE technology on an SOI wafer. The movable mirror is metalized and attached to a comb-drive actuator fabricated in the same lithography step in a self-aligned manner on chip. The novel interferometer is tested as a Fourier transform spectrometer. Red laser, IR laser and absorption spectra of different materials are measured with a resolution of 2.5 nm at 635-nm wavelength. The structure is a very compact one that allows its integration and fabrication on a large scale with very low cost.

Analysis of the Localization of Michelson Interferometer Fringes Using Fourier Optics and Temporal Coherence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Narayanamurthy, C. S.

2009-01-01

Fringes formed in a Michelson interferometer never localize in any plane, in the detector plane and in the localization plane. Instead, the fringes are assumed to localize at infinity. Except for some explanation in "Principles of Optics" by Born and Wolf (1964 (New York: Macmillan)), the fringe localization phenomena of Michelson's interferometer…

EPR experiment and 2-photon interferometry: Report of a 2-photon interference experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, Y. H.; Rubin, M. H.; Sergienko, A. V.

1992-01-01

After a very brief review of the historical Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen (EPR) experiments, a new two-photon interference type EPR experiment is reported. A two-photon state was generated by optical parametric down conversion. Pairs of light quanta with degenerate frequency but divergent directions of propagation were sent to two independent Michelson interferometers. First and second order interference effectors were studied. Different than other reports, we observed that the second order interference visibility vanished when the optical path difference of the interferometers were much less than the coherence length of the pumping laser beam. However, we also observed that the second order interference behaved differently depending on whether the interferometers were set at equal or different optical path differences.

The coating design of phase-shifting reflector array with high reflectance and specified reflection phase shifts for static Michelson interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xuanni; Zhang, Hui; Wang, Yijun

2016-02-01

The optical Doppler Michelson imaging interferometer is widely used for wind measurements. Four interferograms obtained simultaneously are needed to immune to environmental disturbances. Thus, a static and divided mirror Michelson interferometer is proposed. Its highlight is the phase-shifting reflector array, which divides one mirror into four quadrants coated by different multilayer films with high reflectance, specified phase steps π/2 and little polarization effects. By combining analytical and empirical method, four coatings are designed with software TFCalc. The simulated results showed good agreement with the desired optical properties. Due to the limitation of the optical material and function of the software TFCalc, there are some design errors within tolerance.

Development and implementation of a portable grating interferometer system as a standard tool for testing optics at the Advanced Photon Source beamline 1-BM

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Assoufid, Lahsen; Shi, Xianbo; Marathe, Shashidhara

We developed a portable X-ray grating interferometer setup as a standard tool for testing optics at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) beamline 1-BM. The interferometer can be operated in phase-stepping, Moiré, or single-grating harmonic imaging mode with 1-D or 2-D gratings. All of the interferometer motions are motorized; hence, it is much easier and quicker to switch between the different modes of operation. A novel aspect of this new instrument is its designed portability. While the setup is designed to be primarily used as a standard tool for testing optics at 1-BM, it could be potentially deployed at other APSmore » beamlines for beam coherence and wavefront characterization or imaging. The design of the interferometer system is described in detail and coherence measurements obtained at the APS 34-ID-E beamline are presented. The coherence was probed in two directions using a 2-D checkerboard, a linear, and a circular grating at X-ray energies of 8 keV, 11 keV, and 18 keV.« less

Optical polarimetry for noninvasive glucose sensing enabled by Sagnac interferometry.

PubMed

Winkler, Amy M; Bonnema, Garret T; Barton, Jennifer K

2011-06-10

Optical polarimetry is used in pharmaceutical drug testing and quality control for saccharide-containing products (juice, honey). More recently, it has been proposed as a method for noninvasive glucose sensing for diabetic patients. Sagnac interferometry is commonly used in optical gyroscopes, measuring minute Doppler shifts resulting from mechanical rotation. In this work, we demonstrate that Sagnac interferometers are also sensitive to optical rotation, or the rotation of linearly polarized light, and are therefore useful in optical polarimetry. Results from simulation and experiment show that Sagnac interferometers are advantageous in optical polarimetry as they are insensitive to net linear birefringence and alignment of polarization components.

Soliton all-optical logic AND gate with semiconductor optical amplifier-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotb, Amer; Zoiros, Kyriakos E.

2016-08-01

The concept of soliton provides a line in research in telecommunications systems. In the present study, a soliton all-optical logic AND gate with semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer has been numerically simulated and investigated. The dependence of the output quality factor (Q-factor) on the soliton characteristics and SOA parameters has been examined and assessed. The obtained results demonstrate that the soliton AND gate is capable of operating at a data rate of 80 Gb/s with logical correctness and high-output Q-factor.

Design of pseudorandom binary sequence generator using lithium-niobate-based Mach-Zehnder interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhary, Kuldeep; Kumar, Santosh

2017-05-01

The application of electro-optic effect in lithium-niobate-based Mach-Zehnder interferometer to design a 3-bit optical pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) generator has been proposed, which is characterized by its simplicity of generation and stability. The proposed device is optoelectronic in nature. The PBRS generator is immensely applicable for pattern generation, encryption, and coding applications in optical networks. The study is carried out by simulating the proposed device with beam propagation method.

Study on the effect of carbon nanotube coating on the refractive index sensing sensitivity of fiber modal interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ya-nan; Xie, Wen-ge; Wang, Jianzhang; Wang, Pengzhao

2018-01-01

Refractive index sensing of liquid is important in the domain of chemistry and biology. Fiber optical sensors provide an excellent way to measure the refractive index due to their feasible integration to other fiber optics components, high sensitivity, small size, and distributed sensing. However, conventional optical sensors have different shortages. To find a practical way to measure the refractive index of liquid, this paper intended to combine Carbon Nanotube (CNT) with non-core fiber (NCF) to prepare a kind of modal interferometer sensor and to explore the effect of CNT coating on refractive index sensing properties of the modal interferometer. Firstly, a structure of single mode non-core single mode (SNS) fiber with a CNT film coating was proposed and simulated. The simulation results showed that the CNT coating could improve the refractive index sensitivity of the interferometer sensor. Then in the experiment part, the CNT solution was fabricated and deposited onto the NCF, and a refractive index sensing system was built to examine the property of the CNT-coated SNS interferometer sensor. During the experiment, the influence factors of sensitivity were summarized by testing the sensing performance under different conditions, and it was demonstrated that the CNT coating could improve the contrast of the interference spectrum, and also had the possibility to increase the refractive index sensitivity of the interferometer sensor.

Atom Interferometry with the Sr Optical Clock Transition.

PubMed

Hu, Liang; Poli, Nicola; Salvi, Leonardo; Tino, Guglielmo M

2017-12-29

We report on the realization of a matter-wave interferometer based on single-photon interaction on the ultranarrow optical clock transition of strontium atoms. We experimentally demonstrate its operation as a gravimeter and as a gravity gradiometer. No reduction of interferometric contrast was observed for a total interferometer time up to ∼10  ms, limited by geometric constraints of the apparatus. Single-photon interferometers represent a new class of high-precision sensors that could be used for the detection of gravitational waves in so far unexplored frequency ranges and to enlighten the boundary between quantum mechanics and general relativity.

High data density temperature measurement for quasi steady-state flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Rashidnia, Nasser; Creath, Katherine

1995-01-01

A new optical instrument, the liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer (LCPDI), is used to measure the temperature distribution across a heated chamber filled with silicone oil. Data taken using the LCPDI are compared to equivalent measurements made with a traversing thermocouple and the two data sets show excellent agreement This instrument maintains the compact, robust design of Linnik's point diffraction interferometer and adds to it phase stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wavefronts with very high data density and with automated data reduction.

High Data Density Temperature Measurement for Quasi Steady-State Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, C. R.; Rashidnia, N.; Creath, K.

1996-01-01

A new optical instrument, the liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer (LCPDI), is used to measure the temperature distribution across a heated chamber filled with silicone oil. Data taken using the LCPDI are compared to equivalent measurements made with a traversing thermo-couple and the two data sets show excellent agreement. This instrument maintains the compact, robust design of Linniks point diffraction interferometer and adds to it phase stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wave-fronts with very high data density and with automated data reduction.

Results from SIM's Thermo-Opto-Mechanical (TOM3) Testbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goullioud, Renaud; Lindensmith, C. A.; Hahn, I.

2006-01-01

Future space-based optical interferometers, such as the Space Interferometer Mission Planet Quest (SIM), require thermal stability of the optical wavefront to the level of picometers in order to produce astrometric data at the micro-arc-second level. In SIM, the internal path of the interferometer will be measured with a small metrology beam whereas the starlight fringe position is estimated from a large concentric annular beam. To achieve the micro-arc-second observation goal for SIM, it is necessary to maintain the optical path difference between the central and the outer annulus portions of the wavefront of the front-end telescope optics to a few tens of picometers. The Thermo-Opto-Mecha nical testbed (TOM3) was developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to measure thermally induced optical deformations of a full-size flight-like beam compressor and siderostat, the two largest optics on SIM, in flight-like thermal environments. A Common Path Heterodyne Interferometer (COPHI) developed at JPL was used for the fine optical path difference measurement as the metrology sensor. The system was integrated inside a large vacuum chamber in order to mitigate the atmospheric and thermal disturbances. The siderostat was installed in a temperature-controlled thermal shroud inside the vacuum chamber, creating a flight-like thermal environment. Detailed thermal and structural models of the test articles (siderostat and compressor) were also developed for model prediction and correlation of the thermal deformations. Experimental data shows SIM required thermal stability of the test articles and good agreement with the model predictions.

Application of thin dielectric films in low coherence fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot sensing interferometers: comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirsch, Marzena; Wierzba, Paweł; Jedrzejewska-Szczerska, Małgorzata

2016-11-01

We examine the application of selected thin dielectric films, deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD), in a low coherence fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot interferometer designed for sensing applications. Such films can be deposited on the end-face of a single mode optical fiber (SMF-28) in order to modify the reflectivity of the Fabry-Pérot cavity, to provide protection of the fibers from aggressive environments or to create a multi-cavity interferometric sensor. Spectral reflectance of films made from zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and boron nitride (BN) was calculated for various thickness of the films and compared. The results show that the most promising materials for use in fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot interferometer are TiO2 and ZnO, although Al2O3 is also suitable for this application.

Design of a nonlinear, thin-film Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearson, Earl F.

1996-01-01

A Mach-Zehnder interferometer consists of a 3 db splitter to create the two separate beams, an optical path difference to control the interference between the two beams and another 3 db coupler to reconstruct the output signal. The performance of each of its components has been investigated. Since an optical path difference is required for its function, the performance of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer is not very sensitive to construction parameters. In designing an interferometer for this work, the following considerations must be observed: the interferometer is to be made of phthalocyanine or polydiacetylene thin films; in order to avoid thermal effects which are slower, the wavelength chosen must not be absorbed in either one or two photon processes; the wavelength chosen must be easily generated (laser line); the spacing between the interferometer arms must be large enough to allow attachment of external electrodes; the vapor deposition apparatus can accept disks no larger than 0.9 inches; and the design must allow multiple layer coating in order to determine the optimum film thickness or to change to another substance.

Stellar Interferometer Technology Experiment (SITE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawley, Edward F.; Miller, David; Laskin, Robert; Shao, Michael

1995-01-01

The MIT Space Engineering Research Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory stand ready to advance science sensor technology for discrete-aperture astronomical instruments such as space-based optical interferometers. The objective of the Stellar Interferometer Technology Experiment (SITE) is to demonstrate system-level functionality of a space-based stellar interferometer through the use of enabling and enhancing Controlled-Structures Technologies (CST). SITE mounts to the Mission Peculiar Experiment Support System inside the Shuttle payload bay. Starlight, entering through two apertures, is steered to a combining plate where it is interferred. Interference requires 27 nanometer pathlength (phasing) and 0.29 archsecond wavefront-tilt (pointing) control. The resulting 15 milli-archsecond angular resolution exceeds that of current earth-orbiting telescopes while maintaining low cost by exploiting active optics and structural control technologies. With these technologies, unforeseen and time-varying disturbances can be rejected while relaxing reliance on ground alignment and calibration. SITE will reduce the risk and cost of advanced optical space systems by validating critical technologies in their operational environment. Moreover, these technologies are directly applicable to commercially driven applications such as precision matching, optical scanning, and vibration and noise control systems for the aerospace, medical, and automotive sectors. The SITE team consists of experienced university, government, and industry researchers, scientists, and engineers with extensive expertise in optical interferometry, nano-precision opto-mechanical control and spaceflight experimentation. The experience exists and the technology is mature. SITE will validate these technologies on a functioning interferometer science sensor in order to confirm definitely their readiness to be baselined for future science missions.

Fiber Optic Fabry-Perot Current Sensor Integrated with Magnetic Fluid Using a Fiber Bragg Grating Demodulation

PubMed Central

Xia, Ji; Wang, Qi; Liu, Xu; Luo, Hong

2015-01-01

An optical fiber current sensor based on Fabry-Perot interferometer using a fiber Bragg grating demodulation is proposed. Magnetic fluid is used as a sensitive medium in fiber optical Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity for the optical characteristic of magnetic-controlled refractive index. A Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is connected after the F-P interferometer which is used to reflect the optical power at the Bragg wavelength of the interference transmission spectrum. The corresponding reflective power of the FBG will change with different external current intensity, due to the shift on the interference spectrum of the F-P interferometer. The sensing probe has the advantages of convenient measurement for its demodulation, low cost and high current measurement accuracy on account of its sensing structure. Experimental results show that an optimal sensitivity of 0.8522 nw/A and measurement resolution of 0.001 A is obtained with a FBG at 1550 nm with 99% reflectivity. PMID:26184201

Fiber Optic Fabry-Perot Current Sensor Integrated with Magnetic Fluid Using a Fiber Bragg Grating Demodulation.

PubMed

Xia, Ji; Wang, Qi; Liu, Xu; Luo, Hong

2015-07-09

An optical fiber current sensor based on Fabry-Perot interferometer using a fiber Bragg grating demodulation is proposed. Magnetic fluid is used as a sensitive medium in fiber optical Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity for the optical characteristic of magnetic-controlled refractive index. A Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is connected after the F-P interferometer which is used to reflect the optical power at the Bragg wavelength of the interference transmission spectrum. The corresponding reflective power of the FBG will change with different external current intensity, due to the shift on the interference spectrum of the F-P interferometer. The sensing probe has the advantages of convenient measurement for its demodulation, low cost and high current measurement accuracy on account of its sensing structure. Experimental results show that an optimal sensitivity of 0.8522 nw/A and measurement resolution of 0.001 A is obtained with a FBG at 1550 nm with 99% reflectivity.

Quasi-optical analysis of a far-infrared spatio-spectral space interferometer concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bracken, C.; O'Sullivan, C.; Murphy, J. A.; Donohoe, A.; Savini, G.; Lightfoot, J.; Juanola-Parramon, R.; Fisica Consortium

2016-07-01

FISICA (Far-Infrared Space Interferometer Critical Assessment) was a three year study of a far-infrared spatio-spectral double-Fourier interferometer concept. One of the aims of the FISICA study was to set-out a baseline optical design for such a system, and to use a model of the system to simulate realistic telescope beams for use with an end-to-end instrument simulator. This paper describes a two-telescope (and hub) baseline optical design that fulfils the requirements of the FISICA science case, while minimising the optical mass of the system. A number of different modelling techniques were required for the analysis: fast approximate simulation tools such as ray tracing and Gaussian beam methods were employed for initial analysis, with GRASP physical optics used for higher accuracy in the final analysis. Results are shown for the predicted far-field patterns of the telescope primary mirrors under illumination by smooth walled rectangular feed horns. Far-field patterns for both on-axis and off-axis detectors are presented and discussed.

Spatially modulated interferometer and beam shearing device therefor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reininger, Francis M. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A spatially modulated interferometer incorporates a beam shearing system having a plurality of reflective surfaces defining separate light paths of equal optical path length for two separate output beams. The reflective surfaces are arranged such that when the two beams emerge from the beam shearing system they contain more than 50 percent of the photon flux within the selected spectral pass band. In one embodiment, the reflective surfaces are located on a number of prism elements combined to form a beam shearing prism structure. The interferometer utilizing the beam sharing system of the invention includes fore-optics for collecting light and focusing it into a beam to be sheared, and a detector located at an exit pupil of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the interferometer has no moving parts.

Construction of a Fiber Optic Gradient Hydrophone Using a Michelson Configuration.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-03-27

Michelson interferometers; * Fabry - Perot interferometers; • Intermode interferometers; • Sagnac interferometers. Of these, the first two categories show the...most promise for hydrophone applications. The Fabry - Perot design is an excellent tool for precision length measurements but is extremely sensitive to...Pa was measured. Using the demodulation technique in Mills, [Ref. 13: pp. 94-95], one can make a comparison to the USRD type G63 stan- dard pressure

Observation of an optical spring with a beam splitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cripe, Jonathan; Danz, Baylee; Lane, Benjamin; Lorio, Mary Catherine; Falcone, Julia; Cole, Garrett D.; Corbitt, Thomas

2018-05-01

We present the experimental observation of an optical spring without the use of an optical cavity. The optical spring is produced by interference at a beamsplitter and, in principle, does not have the damping force associated with optical springs created in detuned cavities. The experiment consists of a Michelson-Sagnac interferometer (with no recycling cavities) with a partially reflective GaAs microresonator as the beamsplitter that produces the optical spring. Our experimental measurements at input powers of up to 360 mW show the shift of the optical spring frequency as a function of power and are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. In addition, we show that the optical spring is able to keep the interferometer stable and locked without the use of external feedback.

Radius of Curvature Measurement of Large Optics Using Interferometry and Laser Tracker

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagopian, John; Connelly, Joseph

2011-01-01

The determination of radius of curvature (ROC) of optics typically uses either a phase measuring interferometer on an adjustable stage to determine the position of the ROC and the optics surface under test. Alternatively, a spherometer or a profilometer are used for this measurement. The difficulty of this approach is that for large optics, translation of the interferometer or optic under test is problematic because of the distance of translation required and the mass of the optic. Profilometry and spherometry are alternative techniques that can work, but require a profilometer or a measurement of subapertures of the optic. The proposed approach allows a measurement of the optic figure simultaneous with the full aperture radius of curvature.

Modulated Source Interferometry with Combined Amplitude and Frequency Modulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gutierrez, Roman C. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

An improved interferometer is produced by modifying a conventional interferometer to include amplitude and/or frequency modulation of a coherent light source at radio or higher frequencies. The phase of the modulation signal can be detected in an interfering beam from an interferometer and can be used to determine the actual optical phase of the beam. As such, this improvement can be adapted to virtually any two-beam interferometer, including: Michelson, Mach-Zehnder, and Sagnac interferometers. The use of an amplitude modulated coherent tight source results in an interferometer that combines the wide range advantages of coherent interferometry with the precise distance measurement advantages of white light interferometry.

Robust interferometric frequency lock between cw lasers and optical frequency combs.

PubMed

Benkler, Erik; Rohde, Felix; Telle, Harald R

2013-02-15

A transfer interferometer is presented which establishes a versatile and robust optical frequency locking link between a tunable single frequency laser and an optical frequency comb. It enables agile and continuous tuning of the frequency difference between both lasers while fluctuations and drift effects of the transfer interferometer itself are widely eliminated via common mode rejection. Experimental results will be presented for a tunable extended-cavity 1.5 μm laser diode locked to an Er-fiber based frequency comb.

Manufacture, alignment and measurement for a reflective triplet optics in imaging spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Liyin; He, Zhiping; Wang, Yueming; Lv, Gang

2016-09-01

Reflective triplet (RT) optics is an optical form with decenters and tilts of all the three mirrors. It can be used in spectrometer as collimator and reimager to get fine optical and spectral performances. To alleviate thermal and assembly stress deformation, opto-mechanical integrated design suggests that as with all the machine elements and the mainframe, the mirrors substrates are aluminum. All the mirrors are manufactured by single-point diamond turning technology and measured by interferometer or profilometer. Because of retro-reflection by grating or prism and reimaging away from the object field, solo three mirrors optical path of RT has some aberrations. So its alignment and measurement needs an aberration corrected measuring optical system with auxiliary plane and sphere mirrors and in which the RT optics used in four pass. Manufacture, alignment and measurement for a RT optics used in long wave infrared grating spectrometer is discussed here. We realized the manufacture, alignment and test for the RT optics of a longwave infrared spectromter by CMM and interferometer. Wavefront error test by interferometer and surface profiles measured by profilometer indicate that performances of the manufactured mirrors exceed the requirements. Interferogram of the assembled RT optics shows that wavefront error rms is less than 0.0493λ@10.6μm vs design result 0.0207λ.

Novel Diffusivity Measurement Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rashidnia, Nasser

2001-01-01

A common-path interferometer (CPI) system was developed to measure the diffusivity of liquid pairs. The CPI is an optical technique that can be used to measure changes in the gradient of the refraction index of transparent materials. This system uses a shearing interferometer that shares the same optical path from a laser light source to the final imaging plane. Hence, the molecular diffusion coefficient of liquids can be determined using the physical relations between changes in the optical path length and the liquid phase properties. The data obtained with this interferometer were compared with similar results from other techniques and demonstrated that the instrument is superior in measuring the diffusivity of miscible liquids while keeping the system very compact and robust. CPI can also be used for studies in interface dynamics and other diffusion-dominated-process applications.

Label-Free Detection of Cancer Biomarkers Using an In-Line Taper Fiber-Optic Interferometer and a Fiber Bragg Grating

PubMed Central

Sun, Dandan; Wang, Guanjun

2017-01-01

A compact and label-free optical fiber sensor based on a taper interferometer cascaded with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for detection of a breast cancer biomarker (HER2). The tapered fiber-optic interferometer is extremely sensitive to the ambient refractive index (RI). In addition, being insensitive to the RI variation, the FBG can be applied as a temperature thermometer due to its independent response to the temperature. Surface functionalization to the sensor is carried out to achieve specific targeting of the unlabeled biomarkers. The result shows that the proposed sensor presents a low limit-of-detection (LOD) of 2 ng/mL, enabling its potentials of application in early diagnosis on the breast cancer. PMID:29113127

A compact LWIR hyperspectral system employing a microbolometer array and a variable gap Fabry-Perot interferometer employed as a Fourier transform spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucey, Paul G.; Hinrichs, John L.; Akagi, Jason

2012-06-01

A prototype long wave infrared Fourier transform spectral imaging system using a wedged Fabry-Perot interferometer and a microbolometer array was designed and built. The instrument can be used at both short (cm) and long standoff ranges (infinity focus). Signal to noise ratios are in the several hundred range for 30 C targets. The sensor is compact, fitting in a volume about 12 x12 x 4 inches.

Reference software implementation for GIFTS ground data processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, R. K.; Howell, H. B.; Knuteson, R. O.; Martin, G. D.; Olson, E. R.; Smuga-Otto, M. J.

2006-08-01

Future satellite weather instruments such as high spectral resolution imaging interferometers pose a challenge to the atmospheric science and software development communities due to the immense data volumes they will generate. An open-source, scalable reference software implementation demonstrating the calibration of radiance products from an imaging interferometer, the Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer1 (GIFTS), is presented. This paper covers essential design principles laid out in summary system diagrams, lessons learned during implementation and preliminary test results from the GIFTS Information Processing System (GIPS) prototype.

Design of liquid temperature sensor based on bending loss phenomenon of plastic optic fiber and electro-optic effect of Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Santosh; Swaminathan, S.

2016-04-01

The efficient application of electro-optic effect in lithium niobate based Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) to construct the temperature sensor is used. An experimental set up for liquid temperature sensor is proposed. Temperature dependence of the bending loss light energy in multimode micro-plastic optical fiber (m-POF) and electro-optic effect of MZI are used. The performance of sensor at different temperatures is measured. It is seen that the light output of MZI switches from one port to the other port as temperature of liquid changes from 0°C to 100°C.

Guest Editorial Precision Surface Metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyant, James C.

1984-08-01

During the past two decades there have been many changes in precision surface metrology. The introduction of the laser and the large computer during the 1960s and 1970s produced many changes in testing capabilities and requirements. Several commercial interferometers became available in the 1970s, enabling people who were not necessarily experts in interferometry to use interferometers to produce better optics. Since both buyers and sellers could test optics, the quality of the optics manufactured and sold improved greatly. If a person ordered 1/10 wave optics, he would probably get 1/10 wave or better optics; if he got optics of lower quality, he would know it, and he could prove it and return it.

Temperature insensitive and ultra wideband silica-based dual polarization optical hybrid for coherent receiver with highly symmetrical interferometer design.

PubMed

Nasu, Yusuke; Mizuno, Takayuki; Kasahara, Ryoichi; Saida, Takashi

2011-12-12

To extend the operation wavelength range of dual-polarization optical hybrids (DPOH), we propose a highly symmetrical interferometer design for a polarization beam splitter and an optical hybrid to reduce temperature and wavelength dependence. The design successfully decreases this dependence, and a fabricated DPOH with silica-based planar lightwave circuits provides temperature-insensitive performance with a polarization extinction ratio of over 25 dB and phase errors of less than 3 degrees over the entire C- and L-bands. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Ti:LiNbO3 Integrated Optic Electric-Field Sensors based on Electro-Optic Effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Hongsik

2016-07-01

The need for electric-field sensing technology has widely increased, playing a critical role in various scientific and technical areas. This article comprehensively reviews and compares Ti:LiNbO3 integrated optic electric-field sensors, including the asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), 1 × 2 directional coupler (DC), and Y-fed balanced-bridge Mach-Zehnder interferometer (YBB-MZI), based on the operating principles, the electrical and optical performance, and measurements of each fabricated device. We also discuss future works to improve the sensitivity, operating stability, response speed, and bandwidth.

A Theoretical Study and Numerical Simulation of a Quasi-Distributed Sensor Based on the Low-Finesse Fabry-Perot Interferometer: Frequency-Division Multiplexing

PubMed Central

Guillen Bonilla, José Trinidad; Guillen Bonilla, Alex; Rodríguez Betancourtt, Verónica M.; Guillen Bonilla, Héctor; Casillas Zamora, Antonio

2017-01-01

The application of the sensor optical fibers in the areas of scientific instrumentation and industrial instrumentation is very attractive due to its numerous advantages. In the industry of civil engineering for example, quasi-distributed sensors made with optical fiber are used for reliable strain and temperature measurements. Here, a quasi-distributed sensor in the frequency domain is discussed. The sensor consists of a series of low-finesse Fabry-Perot interferometers where each Fabry-Perot interferometer acts as a local sensor. Fabry-Perot interferometers are formed by pairs of identical low reflective Bragg gratings imprinted in a single mode fiber. All interferometer sensors have different cavity length, provoking frequency-domain multiplexing. The optical signal represents the superposition of all interference patterns which can be decomposed using the Fourier transform. The frequency spectrum was analyzed and sensor’s properties were defined. Following that, a quasi-distributed sensor was numerically simulated. Our sensor simulation considers sensor properties, signal processing, noise system, and instrumentation. The numerical results show the behavior of resolution vs. signal-to-noise ratio. From our results, the Fabry-Perot sensor has high resolution and low resolution. Both resolutions are conceivable because the Fourier Domain Phase Analysis (FDPA) algorithm elaborates two evaluations of Bragg wavelength shift. PMID:28420083

Surface stress sensor based on MEMS Fabry-Perot interferometer with high wavelength selectivity for label-free biosensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Toshiaki; Hizawa, Takeshi; Misawa, Nobuo; Taki, Miki; Sawada, Kazuaki; Takahashi, Kazuhiro

2018-05-01

We have developed a surface stress sensor based on a microelectromechanical Fabry-Perot interferometer with high wavelength selectivity by using Au half-mirrors, for highly sensitive label-free biosensing. When the target molecule is adsorbed by the antigen-antibody reaction onto a movable membrane with a thin Au film, which acts as an upper mirror of the optical interferometer, the amount of deflection of the movable membrane deflected by the change in surface stress can be detected with high sensitivity. To improve the signal at the small membrane deflection region of this biosensor resulting in detection of low concentration molecules, by integrating 50 nm-thick Au half-mirrors, the wavelength selectivity of the optical interferometer has been successfully improved 6.6 times. Furthermore, the peak shift in the reflection spectrum due to the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) antigen with a concentration of 10 ng ml-l by the antigen-antibody reaction was spectroscopically measured on the fabricated optical interferometer, and the deflection amount of the movable membrane after 10 min treatment was 2.4 times larger than that of nonspecific adsorption with the avidin molecules. This result indicated that the proposed sensor can be used for selective detection of low-concentration target antigen molecules.

Plasmonic interferometers: From physics to biosensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Xie

Optical interferometry has a long history and wide range of applications. In recent years, plasmonic interferometer arouses great interest due to its compact size and enhanced light-matter interaction. They have demonstrated attractive applications in biomolecule sensing, optical modulation/switching, and material characterization, etc. In this work, we first propose a practical far-field method to extract the intrinsic phase dispersion, revealing important phase information during interactions among free-space light, nanostructure, and SPs. The proposed approach is confirmed by both simulation and experiment. Then we design novel plasmonic interferometer structure for sensitive optical sensing applications. To overcome two major limitations suffered by previously reported double-slit plasmonic Mach-Zehnder interferometer (PMZI), two new schemes are proposed and investigated. (1) A PMZI based on end-fire coupling improves the SP coupling efficiency and enhance the interference contrast more than 50 times. (2) In another design, a multi-layered metal-insulator-metal PMZI releases the requirement for single-slit illumination, which enables sensitive, high-throughput sensing applications based on intensity modulation. We develop a sensitive, low-cost and high-throughput biosensing platform based on intensity modulation using ring-hole plasmonic interferometers. This biosensor is then integrated with cell-phone-based microscope, which is promising to develop a portable sensor for point-of-care diagnostics, epidemic disease control and food safety monitoring.

A Theoretical Study and Numerical Simulation of a Quasi-Distributed Sensor Based on the Low-Finesse Fabry-Perot Interferometer: Frequency-Division Multiplexing.

PubMed

Guillen Bonilla, José Trinidad; Guillen Bonilla, Alex; Rodríguez Betancourtt, Verónica M; Guillen Bonilla, Héctor; Casillas Zamora, Antonio

2017-04-14

The application of the sensor optical fibers in the areas of scientific instrumentation and industrial instrumentation is very attractive due to its numerous advantages. In the industry of civil engineering for example, quasi-distributed sensors made with optical fiber are used for reliable strain and temperature measurements. Here, a quasi-distributed sensor in the frequency domain is discussed. The sensor consists of a series of low-finesse Fabry-Perot interferometers where each Fabry-Perot interferometer acts as a local sensor. Fabry-Perot interferometers are formed by pairs of identical low reflective Bragg gratings imprinted in a single mode fiber. All interferometer sensors have different cavity length, provoking frequency-domain multiplexing. The optical signal represents the superposition of all interference patterns which can be decomposed using the Fourier transform. The frequency spectrum was analyzed and sensor's properties were defined. Following that, a quasi-distributed sensor was numerically simulated. Our sensor simulation considers sensor properties, signal processing, noise system, and instrumentation. The numerical results show the behavior of resolution vs. signal-to-noise ratio. From our results, the Fabry-Perot sensor has high resolution and low resolution. Both resolutions are conceivable because the Fourier Domain Phase Analysis (FDPA) algorithm elaborates two evaluations of Bragg wavelength shift.

Advanced Gravitational Wave Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blair, D. G.; Howell, E. J.; Ju, L.; Zhao, C.

2012-02-01

Part I. An Introduction to Gravitational Wave Astronomy and Detectors: 1. Gravitational waves D. G. Blair, L. Ju, C. Zhao and E. J. Howell; 2. Sources of gravitational waves D. G. Blair and E. J. Howell; 3. Gravitational wave detectors D. G. Blair, L. Ju, C. Zhao, H. Miao, E. J. Howell, and P. Barriga; 4. Gravitational wave data analysis B. S. Sathyaprakash and B. F. Schutz; 5. Network analysis L. Wen and B. F. Schutz; Part II. Current Laser Interferometer Detectors: Three Case Studies: 6. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory P. Fritschel; 7. The VIRGO detector S. Braccini; 8. GEO 600 H. Lück and H. Grote; Part III. Technology for Advanced Gravitational Wave Detectors: 9. Lasers for high optical power interferometers B. Willke and M. Frede; 10. Thermal noise, suspensions and test masses L. Ju, G. Harry and B. Lee; 11. Vibration isolation: Part 1. Seismic isolation for advanced LIGO B. Lantz; Part 2. Passive isolation J-C. Dumas; 12. Interferometer sensing and control P. Barriga; 13. Stabilizing interferometers against high optical power effects C. Zhao, L. Ju, S. Gras and D. G. Blair; Part IV. Technology for Third Generation Gravitational Wave Detectors: 14. Cryogenic interferometers J. Degallaix; 15. Quantum theory of laser-interferometer GW detectors H. Miao and Y. Chen; 16. ET. A third generation observatory M. Punturo and H. Lück; Index.

Improved double-pass michelson interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schindler, R. A.

1978-01-01

Interferometer design separates beams by offsetting centerlines of cat's-eye retroreflectors vertically rather than horizontally. Since beam splitter is insensitive to minimum-thickness condition in this geometry, relatively-low-cost, optically flat plate can be used.

Compensation of non-ideal beam splitter polarization distortion effect in Michelson interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yeng-Cheng; Lo, Yu-Lung; Liao, Chia-Chi

2016-02-01

A composite optical structure consisting of two quarter-wave plates and a single half-wave plate is proposed for compensating for the polarization distortion induced by a non-ideal beam splitter in a Michelson interferometer. In the proposed approach, the optimal orientations of the optical components within the polarization compensator are determined using a genetic algorithm (GA) such that the beam splitter can be treated as a free-space medium and modeled using a unit Mueller matrix accordingly. Two implementations of the proposed polarization controller are presented. In the first case, the compensator is placed in the output arm of Michelson interferometer such that the state of polarization of the interfered output light is equal to that of the input light. However, in this configuration, the polarization effects induced by the beam splitter in the two arms of the interferometer structure cannot be separately addressed. Consequently, in the second case, compensator structures are placed in the Michelson interferometer for compensation on both the scanning and reference beams. The practical feasibility of the proposed approach is introduced by considering a Mueller polarization-sensitive (PS) optical coherence tomography (OCT) structure with three polarization controllers in the input, reference and sample arms, respectively. In general, the results presented in this study show that the proposed polarization controller provides an effective and experimentally-straightforward means of compensating for the polarization distortion effects induced by the non-ideal beam splitters in Michelson interferometers and Mueller PS-OCT structures.

Manipulation of Micro Scale Particles in an Optical Trap Using Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seibel, Robin

2002-01-01

This research shows that micro particles can be manipulated via interferometric patterns superimposed on an optical tweezers beam. Interferometry allows the manipulation of intensity distributions, and thus, force distributions on a trapped particle. To demonstrate the feasibility of such manipulation, 458 nm light, from an argon-ion laser, was injected into a Mach Zender interferometer. One mirror in the interferometer was oscillated with a piezoelectric phase modulator. The light from the interferometer was then injected into a microscope to trap a 9.75 micron polystyrene sphere. By varying the phase modulation, the sphere was made to oscillate in a controlled fashion.

Downstream Fabry-Perot interferometer for acoustic wave monitoring in photoacoustic tomography.

PubMed

Nuster, Robert; Gruen, Hubert; Reitinger, Bernhard; Burgholzer, Peter; Gratt, Sibylle; Passler, Klaus; Paltauf, Guenther

2011-03-15

An optical detection setup consisting of a focused laser beam fed into a downstream Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) for demodulation of acoustically generated optical phase variations is investigated for its applicability in photoacoustic tomography. The device measures the time derivative of acoustic signals integrated along the beam. Compared to a setup where the detection beam is part of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the signal-to-noise ratio of the FPI is lower, but the image quality of the two devices is similar. Using the FPI in a photoacoustic tomograph allows scanning the probe beam around the imaging object without moving the latter.

High-accuracy self-mixing interferometer based on multiple reflections using a simple external reflecting mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiu-lin; Wei, Zheng; Wang, Rui; Huang, Wen-cai

2018-05-01

A self-mixing interferometer (SMI) with resolution twenty times higher than that of a conventional interferometer is developed by multiple reflections. Only by employing a simple external reflecting mirror, the multiple-pass optical configuration can be constructed. The advantage of the configuration is simple and easy to make the light re-injected back into the laser cavity. Theoretical analysis shows that the resolution of measurement is scalable by adjusting the number of reflections. The experiment shows that the proposed method has the optical resolution of approximate λ/40. The influence of displacement sensitivity gain ( G) is further analyzed and discussed in practical experiments.

Note: Comparison experimental results of the laser heterodyne interferometer for angle measurement based on the Faraday effect.

PubMed

Zhang, Enzheng; Chen, Benyong; Zheng, Hao; Teng, Xueying; Yan, Liping

2018-04-01

A laser heterodyne interferometer for angle measurement based on the Faraday effect is proposed. A novel optical configuration, designed by using the orthogonal return method for a linearly polarized beam based on the Faraday effect, guarantees that the measurement beam can return effectively even though an angular reflector has a large lateral displacement movement. The optical configuration and measurement principle are presented in detail. Two verification experiments were performed; the experimental results show that the proposed interferometer can achieve a large lateral displacement tolerance of 7.4 mm and also can realize high precision angle measurement with a large measurement range.

Note: Comparison experimental results of the laser heterodyne interferometer for angle measurement based on the Faraday effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Enzheng; Chen, Benyong; Zheng, Hao; Teng, Xueying; Yan, Liping

2018-04-01

A laser heterodyne interferometer for angle measurement based on the Faraday effect is proposed. A novel optical configuration, designed by using the orthogonal return method for a linearly polarized beam based on the Faraday effect, guarantees that the measurement beam can return effectively even though an angular reflector has a large lateral displacement movement. The optical configuration and measurement principle are presented in detail. Two verification experiments were performed; the experimental results show that the proposed interferometer can achieve a large lateral displacement tolerance of 7.4 mm and also can realize high precision angle measurement with a large measurement range.

Differential interferometer for measurement of displacement of laser resonator mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macúchová, Karolina; Němcová, Šárka; Hošek, Jan

2015-01-01

This paper covers a description and a technique of a possible optical method of mode locking within a laser resonator. The measurement system is a part of instrumentation of laser-based experiment OSQAR at CERN. The OSQAR experiment aims at search of axions, axion-like particles and measuring of ultra-fine vacuum magnetic birefringence. It uses a laser resonator to enhance the coupling constant of hypothetical photon-to-axion conversion. The developed locking-in technique is based on differential interferometry. Signal obtained from the measurement provide crucial information for adaptive control of the locking-in of the resonator in real time. In this paper we propose several optical setups used for measurement and analysis of mutual position of the resonator mirrors. We have set up a differential interferometer under our laboratory conditions. We have done measurements with hemi-spherical cavity resonator detuned with piezo crystals. The measurement was set up in a single plane. Laser light was directed through half-wave retarder to a polarizing beam splitter and then converted to circular polarization by lambda/4 plates. After reflection at the mirrors, the beam is recombined in a beam splitter, sent to analyser and non-polarizing beam splitter and then inspected by two detectors with mutually perpendicular polarizers. The 90 degrees phase shift between the two arms allows precise analysis of a mutual distance change of the mirrors. Because our setup was sufficiently stable, we were able to measure the piezo constant and piezo hysteresis. The final goal is to adapt the first prototype to 23 m resonator and measure the displacement in two planes.

Fiber-Optic Temperature Sensor Using a Thin-Film Fabry-Perot Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beheim, Glenn

1997-01-01

A fiber-optic temperature sensor was developed that is rugged, compact, stable, and can be inexpensively fabricated. This thin-film interferometric temperature sensor was shown to be capable of providing a +/- 2 C accuracy over the range of -55 to 275 C, throughout a 5000 hr operating life. A temperature-sensitive thin-film Fabry-Perot interferometer can be deposited directly onto the end of a multimode optical fiber. This batch-fabricatable sensor can be manufactured at a much lower cost than can a presently available sensor, which requires the mechanical attachment of a Fabry-Perot interferometer to a fiber. The principal disadvantage of the thin-film sensor is its inherent instability, due to the low processing temperatures that must be used to prevent degradation of the optical fiber's buffer coating. The design of the stable thin-film temperature sensor considered the potential sources of both short and long term drifts. The temperature- sensitive Fabry-Perot interferometer was a silicon film with a thickness of approx. 2 microns. A laser-annealing process was developed which crystallized the silicon film without damaging the optical fiber. The silicon film was encapsulated with a thin layer of Si3N4 over coated with aluminum. Crystallization of the silicon and its encapsulation with a highly stable, impermeable thin-film structure were essential steps in producing a sensor with the required long-term stability.

Electro-optic modulation of a laser at microwave frequencies for interferometric purposes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Specht, Paul E.; Jilek, Brook A.

2017-02-01

A multi-point microwave interferometer (MPMI) concept was previously proposed by the authors for spatially-resolved, non-invasive tracking of a shock, reaction, or detonation front in energetic media [P. Specht et al., AIP Conf. Proc. 1793, 160010 (2017).]. The advantage of the MPMI concept over current microwave interferometry techniques is its detection of Doppler shifted microwave signals through electro-optic (EO) modulation of a laser. Since EO modulation preserves spatial variations in the Doppler shift, collecting the EO modulated laser light into a fiber array for recording with an optical heterodyne interferometer yields spatially-resolved velocity information. This work demonstrates the underlying physical principle of the MPMI diagnostic: the monitoring of a microwave signal with nanosecond temporal resolution using an optical heterodyne interferometer. For this purpose, the MPMI concept was simplified to a single-point construction using two tunable 1550 nm lasers and a 35.2 GHz microwave source. A (110) ZnTe crystal imparted the microwave frequency onto a laser, which was combined with a reference laser for determination of the microwave frequency in an optical heterodyne interferometer. A single, characteristic frequency associated with the microwave source was identified in all experiments, providing a means to monitor a microwave signal on nanosecond time scales. Lastly, areas for improving the frequency resolution of this technique are discussed, focusing on increasing the phase-modulated signal strength.

Electro-optic modulation of a laser at microwave frequencies for interferometric purposes.

PubMed

Specht, Paul E; Jilek, Brook A

2017-02-01

A multi-point microwave interferometer (MPMI) concept was previously proposed by the authors for spatially-resolved, non-invasive tracking of a shock, reaction, or detonation front in energetic media [P. Specht et al., AIP Conf. Proc. 1793, 160010 (2017).]. The advantage of the MPMI concept over current microwave interferometry techniques is its detection of Doppler shifted microwave signals through electro-optic (EO) modulation of a laser. Since EO modulation preserves spatial variations in the Doppler shift, collecting the EO modulated laser light into a fiber array for recording with an optical heterodyne interferometer yields spatially-resolved velocity information. This work demonstrates the underlying physical principle of the MPMI diagnostic: the monitoring of a microwave signal with nanosecond temporal resolution using an optical heterodyne interferometer. For this purpose, the MPMI concept was simplified to a single-point construction using two tunable 1550 nm lasers and a 35.2 GHz microwave source. A (110) ZnTe crystal imparted the microwave frequency onto a laser, which was combined with a reference laser for determination of the microwave frequency in an optical heterodyne interferometer. A single, characteristic frequency associated with the microwave source was identified in all experiments, providing a means to monitor a microwave signal on nanosecond time scales. Lastly, areas for improving the frequency resolution of this technique are discussed, focusing on increasing the phase-modulated signal strength.

Dual-scanning optical coherence elastography for rapid imaging of two tissue volumes (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Qi; Frewer, Luke; Wijesinghe, Philip; Hamzah, Juliana; Ganss, Ruth; Allen, Wes M.; Sampson, David D.; Curatolo, Andrea; Kennedy, Brendan F.

2017-02-01

In many applications of optical coherence elastography (OCE), it is necessary to rapidly acquire images in vivo, or within intraoperative timeframes, over fields-of-view far greater than can be achieved in one OCT image acquisition. For example, tumour margin assessment in breast cancer requires acquisition over linear dimensions of 4-5 centimetres in under 20 minutes. However, the majority of existing techniques are not compatible with these requirements, which may present a hurdle to the effective translation of OCE. To increase throughput, we have designed and developed an OCE system that simultaneously captures two 3D elastograms from opposite sides of a sample. The optical system comprises two interferometers: a common-path interferometer on one side of the sample and a dual-arm interferometer on the other side. This optical system is combined with scanning mechanisms and compression loading techniques to realize dual-scanning OCE. The optical signals scattered from two volumes are simultaneously detected on a single spectrometer by depth-encoding the interference signal from each interferometer. To demonstrate dual-scanning OCE, we performed measurements on tissue-mimicking phantoms containing rigid inclusions and freshly isolated samples of murine hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting the use of this technique to visualise 3D tumour stiffness. These findings indicate that our technique holds promise for in vivo and intraoperative applications.

Observation of an optical spring with a beam splitter.

PubMed

Cripe, Jonathan; Danz, Baylee; Lane, Benjamin; Lorio, Mary Catherine; Falcone, Julia; Cole, Garrett D; Corbitt, Thomas

2018-05-01

We present the experimental observation of an optical spring without the use of an optical cavity. The optical spring is produced by interference at a beam splitter and, in principle, does not have the damping force associated with optical springs created in detuned cavities. The experiment consists of a Michelson-Sagnac interferometer (with no recycling cavities) with a partially reflective GaAs microresonator as the beam splitter that produces the optical spring. Our experimental measurements at input powers of up to 360 mW show the shift of the optical spring frequency as a function of power and are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. In addition, we show that the optical spring is able to keep the interferometer stable and locked without the use of external feedback.

Peptides and proteins in matter wave interferometry: Challenges and prospects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sezer, Ugur; Geyer, Philipp; Mairhofer, Lukas; Brand, Christian; Doerre, Nadine; Rodewald, Jonas; Schaetti, Jonas; Koehler, Valentin; Mayor, Marcel; Arndt, Markus

2016-05-01

Recent developments in matter wave physics suggest that quantum interferometry with biologically relevant nanomaterials is becoming feasible for amino acids, peptides, proteins and RNA/DNA strands. Quantum interference of biomolecules is interesting as it can mimic Schrödinger's cat states with molecules of high mass, elevated temperature and biological functionality. Additionally, the high internal complexity can give rise to a rich variety of couplings to the environment and new handles for quantitative tests of quantum decoherence. Finally, matter wave interferometers are highly sensitive force sensors and pave the way for quantum-assisted measurements of biomolecular properties in interaction with tailored or biomimetic environments. Recent interferometer concepts such as the Kapitza-Dirac-Talbot-Lau interferometer (KDTLI) or the Optical Time-domain Matter Wave interferometer (OTIMA) have already proven their potential for quantum optics in the mass range beyond 10000 amu and for metrology. Here we show our advances in quantum interferometry with vitamins and peptides and discuss methods of realizing cold, intense and sufficiently slow beams of synthetically tailored or hydrated polypeptides with promising properties for a new generation of quantum optics.

Femto-second synchronisation with a waveguide interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dexter, A. C.; Smith, S. J.; Woolley, B. J.; Grudiev, A.

2018-03-01

CERN's compact linear collider CLIC requires crab cavities on opposing linacs to rotate bunches of particles into alignment at the interaction point (IP). These cavities are located approximately 25 metres either side of the IP. The luminosity target requires synchronisation of their RF phases to better than 5 fs r.m.s. This is to be achieved by powering both cavities from one high power RF source, splitting the power and delivering it along two waveguide paths that are controlled to be identical in length to within a micrometre. The waveguide will be operated as an interferometer. A high power phase shifter for adjusting path lengths has been successfully developed and operated in an interferometer. The synchronisation target has been achieved in a low power prototype system.

Optical layout and mechanical structure of polarimeter-interferometer system for Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zou, Z. Y.; Liu, H. Q., E-mail: hqliu@ipp.ac.cn; Jie, Y. X.

A Far-InfaRed (FIR) three-wave POlarimeter-INTerferometer (POINT) system for measurement current density profile and electron density profile is under development for the EAST tokamak. The FIR beams are transmitted from the laser room to the optical tower adjacent to EAST via ∼20 m overmoded dielectric waveguide and then divided into 5 horizontal chords. The optical arrangement was designed using ZEMAX, which provides information on the beam spot size and energy distribution throughout the optical system. ZEMAX calculations used to optimize the optical layout design are combined with the mechanical design from CATIA, providing a 3D visualization of the entire POINT system.

Optical layout and mechanical structure of polarimeter-interferometer system for Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak.

PubMed

Zou, Z Y; Liu, H Q; Jie, Y X; Ding, W X; Brower, D L; Wang, Z X; Shen, J S; An, Z H; Yang, Y; Zeng, L; Wei, X C; Li, G S; Zhu, X; Lan, T

2014-11-01

A Far-InfaRed (FIR) three-wave POlarimeter-INTerferometer (POINT) system for measurement current density profile and electron density profile is under development for the EAST tokamak. The FIR beams are transmitted from the laser room to the optical tower adjacent to EAST via ∼20 m overmoded dielectric waveguide and then divided into 5 horizontal chords. The optical arrangement was designed using ZEMAX, which provides information on the beam spot size and energy distribution throughout the optical system. ZEMAX calculations used to optimize the optical layout design are combined with the mechanical design from CATIA, providing a 3D visualization of the entire POINT system.

Development of Ultrasonic and Fabry-Perot Interferometer for Non-Destruction Inspection of Aging Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Alphonso C.

1998-01-01

Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) sensor detection system was continued and refined modifications were made in the data acquisition and evaluation process during the last year. The ultrasonic and FPI detection system was improved from one to multiple sensor detectors. Physical models were developed to understand the physical phenomenon of this work. Multilayered flawed samples were fabricated for inspection by a prototype ultrasonic and FPI detection. Experimental data was verified with simulated results. Undergraduate students that were associated with this research gained valuable knowledge from this experience. This was a learning process helping students to understand the importance of research and its application to solve important technological problems. As a result of our students exposure to this research two and planning to continue this type of research work in graduate school. A prototype instrument package was laboratory tested an actual airframe structure for documentation purposes.

Photon wave function formalism for analysis of Mach–Zehnder interferometer and sum-frequency generation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ritboon, Atirach, E-mail: atirach.3.14@gmail.com; Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90112; Daengngam, Chalongrat, E-mail: chalongrat.d@psu.ac.th

2016-08-15

Biakynicki-Birula introduced a photon wave function similar to the matter wave function that satisfies the Schrödinger equation. Its second quantization form can be applied to investigate nonlinear optics at nearly full quantum level. In this paper, we applied the photon wave function formalism to analyze both linear optical processes in the well-known Mach–Zehnder interferometer and nonlinear optical processes for sum-frequency generation in dispersive and lossless medium. Results by photon wave function formalism agree with the well-established Maxwell treatments and existing experimental verifications.

Simple interrogator for optical fiber-based white light Fabry-Perot interferometers.

PubMed

Yu, Zhihao; Tian, Zhipeng; Wang, Anbo

2017-02-15

In this Letter, we present the design of a simple signal interrogator for optical fiber-based white light Fabry-Perot (F-P) interferometers. With the hardware being composed of only a flat fused silica wafer and a CCD camera, this interrogator translates the spectral interference into a spatial interference pattern, and then demodulates the F-P cavity length with the use of a relatively simple demodulation algorithm. The concept is demonstrated experimentally in a fiber optic sensor with a sapphire wafer as the F-P cavity.

Optical heterodyne accelerometry: passively stabilized, fully balanced velocity interferometer system for any reflector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buttler, William T.; Lamoreaux, Steven K.

2010-08-10

We formalize the physics of an optical heterodyne accelerometer that allows measurement of low and high velocities from material surfaces under high strain. The proposed apparatus incorporates currently common optical velocimetry techniques used in shock physics, with interferometric techniques developed to self-stabilize and passively balance interferometers in quantum cryptography. The result is a robust telecom-fiber-based velocimetry system insensitive to modal and frequency dispersion that should work well in the presence of decoherent scattering processes, such as from ejecta clouds and shocked surfaces.

Guidance and control 1991; Proceedings of the Annual Rocky Mountain Guidance and Control Conference, Keystone, CO, Feb. 2-6, 1991

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Culp, Robert D.; McQuerry, James P.

1991-07-01

The present conference on guidance and control encompasses advances in guidance, navigation, and control, storyboard displays, approaches to space-borne pointing control, international space programs, recent experiences with systems, and issues regarding navigation in the low-earth-orbit space environment. Specific issues addressed include a scalable architecture for an operational spaceborne autonavigation system, the mitigation of multipath error in GPS-based attitude determination, microgravity flight testing of a laboratory robot, and the application of neural networks. Other issues addressed include image navigation with second-generation Meteosat, Magellan star-scanner experiences, high-precision control systems for telescopes and interferometers, gravitational effects on low-earth orbiters, experimental verification of nanometer-level optical pathlengths, and a flight telerobotic servicer prototype simulator. (For individual items see A93-15577 to A93-15613)

OIFITS 2: the 2nd version of the data exchange standard for optical interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duvert, Gilles; Young, John; Hummel, Christian A.

2017-01-01

This paper describes version 2 of the Optical Interferometry exchange Format (OIFITS), the standard for exchanging calibrated data from optical (visible or infrared) interferometers. This IAU-endorsed standard has been in use for 10 years at most of the past and current optical interferometer projects, including COAST, NPOI, IOTA, CHARA, VLTI, PTI and the Keck interferometer. Software is available for reading, writing and merging OIFITS files. This version 2 provides definitions of additional data tables (for example for polarisation measurements), addressing the needs of future interferometric instruments. Also included are data columns for a more rigorous description of measurement errors and their correlations. In that, this document is a step towards the design of a common data model for optical interferometry. Finally, the main OIFITS header is expanded with several new keywords summarising the content to allow doing data base searches. We request that comments and suggestions related to OIFITS be directed to the OLBIN email list. (See http://www.jmmc.fr/olbin-forum for information on how to subscribe and post to the list.)

Experimental AMO physics in undergraduate optics and lasers courses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyt, Chad

2017-04-01

This talk will describe experimental AMO research projects in undergraduate Lasers and Optics courses at Bethel University. The courses, which include a comprehensive lecture portion, are built on open-ended projects that have a novel aspect. Classes begin with four weeks of small student groups rotating between several standard laser and optics laboratory exercises. These may include, for example, alignment and characterization of a helium neon laser and measurements with a Michelson interferometer or a scanning Fabry-Pérot optical cavity. During the following seven weeks of the course, student groups (2-4 people) choose and pursue research questions in the lab. Their work culminates in a group manuscript and a twenty-minute presentation to the class. Projects in the spring, 2016 Optics course included experiments with ultracold lithium atoms in a magneto-optical trap, a prototype, portable, mode-locked erbium fiber laser, a home-built fiber laser frequency comb, double-slit imaging with single photons, and digital holographic tweezers (led by Nathan Lindquist). Projects in the spring, 2015 Lasers course included ultrafast optics with a mode-locked erbium fiber laser, quantum optics, surface plasmon lasers (led by Nathan Lindquist) and a low-cost, near-infrared spectrometer. Several of these projects are related to larger scale, funded research in the physics department. The format and experience in Lasers and Optics is representative of other upper-level courses at Bethel, including Fluid Mechanics and Computer Methods. A physics education research group from the University of Colorado evaluated the spring, 2015 Lasers and 2016 Optics courses. They focused on student experimental attitudes and measurements of student project ownership.

φ-OTDR sensing system with bidirectional pumped fiber Raman amplifier and unbalanced MZ interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Liang; Tian, Ming; Dong, Lei

2017-10-01

In order to improve the detection distance and the sensitivity, we propose a novel distributed optical fiber sensing system. This system is composed of bidirectional pumping fiber Raman amplifier and unbalanced fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Based on the interference mechanism of phase sensitive optical time domain reflectometer (φ-OTDR), the system can get the sensing information of the whole optical fiber by analyzing the backward scattered light. The interferometer is used as the demodulator of the sensing system, which consists of a 3×3 coupler and two faraday rotator mirrors. By means of the demodulator, the signal light is divided into three beams with fixed phase difference. To deal with these three signals, we can get the vibration information directly on the optical fiber. Through experimental study, this system has a high sensitivity. The maximum sensing length and the spatial resolution of the φ-OTDR system are 100 km and 10 m. The signal to noise ratio about 18 dB is achieved.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-05

The Interferometer Protein Crystal Growth (IPCG) experiment was designed to measure details of how protein molecules move through a fluid. It was flown on the STS-86 mission for use aboard Russian Space Station Mir in 1998. It studied aspects of how crystals grow - and what conditions lead to the best crystals, details that remain a mystery. IPCG produces interference patterns by spilitting then recombining laser light. This let scientists see how fluid densities - and molecular diffusion - change around a crystal as it grows in microgravity. The heart of the IPCG apparatus is the interferometer cell comprising the optical bench, microscope, other optics, and video camera. IPCG experiment cells are made of optical glass and silvered on one side to serve as a mirror in the interferometer system that visuzlizes crystals and conditions around them as they grow inside the cell. This diagram shows the optical layout. The principal investigator was Dr. Alexander McPherson of University of California, Irvine. Co-investigators are William Witherow and Dr. Marc Pusey of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Phase-Shifting Liquid Crystal Interferometers for Microgravity Fluid Physics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffin, DeVon W.; Marshall, Keneth L.

2002-01-01

The initial focus of this project was to eliminate both of these problems in the Liquid Crystal Point-Diffraction Interferometer (LCPDI). Progress toward that goal will be described, along with the demonstration of a phase shifting Liquid Crystal Shearing Interferometer (LCSI) that was developed as part of this work. The latest LCPDI, other than a lens to focus the light from a test section onto a diffracting microsphere within the interferometer and a collimated laser for illumination, the pink region contained within the glass plates on the rod-mounted platform is the complete interferometer. The total width is approximately 1.5 inches with 0.25 inches on each side for bonding the electrical leads. It is 1 inch high and there are only four diffracting microspheres within the interferometer. As a result, it is very easy to align, achieving the first goal. The liquid crystal electro-optical response time is a function of layer thickness, with thinner devices switching faster due to a reduction in long-range viscoelastic forces between the LC molecules. The LCPDI has a liquid crystal layer thickness of 10 microns, which is controlled by plastic or glass microspheres embedded in epoxy 'pads' at the corners of the device. The diffracting spheres are composed of polystyrene/divinyl benzene polymer with an initial diameter of 15 microns. The spheres deform slightly when the interferometer is assembled to conform to the spacing produced by the microsphere-filled epoxy spacer pads. While the speed of this interferometer has not yet been tested, previous LCPDIs fabricated at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics switched at a rate of approximately 3.3 Hz, a factor of 10 slower than desired. We anticipate better performance when the speed of these interferometers is tested since they are approximately three times thinner. Phase shifting in these devices is a function of the AC voltage level applied to the liquid crystal. As the voltage increases, the dye in the liquid crystal tends to become more transparent, thus introducing a rather large amount of error into the phase-shifting measurement. While that error can be greatly reduced by normalization, we prefer eliminating the source of the error. To that end, we have pursued development of a 'blend' of custom dyes that will not exhibit these properties. That goal has not yet been fully achieved. Guardalben, et al, presented a similar set of interferograms in a paper partially funded by this grant. Shearing interferometers are a second class of common path interferometers. Typically they consist of a thick glass plate optimized for equal reflection from the front and back surface. While not part of the original thrust of the project, through the course of laboratory work, we demonstrated a prototype of a shearing interferometer capable of phase shifting using a commercial liquid crystal retardation plate. A schematic of this liquid crystal shearing interferometer (LCSI) and a sample set of interferograms are in the reference. This work was also supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inertial Confinement Fusion under Cooperative Agreement No. DE-FC03-92SF19460, the University of Rochester, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The support of DOE does not constitute an endorsement by DOE of the views expressed in this article. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Integrated modeling: a look back

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briggs, Clark

2015-09-01

This paper discusses applications and implementation approaches used for integrated modeling of structural systems with optics over the past 30 years. While much of the development work focused on control system design, significant contributions were made in system modeling and computer-aided design (CAD) environments. Early work appended handmade line-of-sight models to traditional finite element models, such as the optical spacecraft concept from the ACOSS program. The IDEAS2 computational environment built in support of Space Station collected a wider variety of existing tools around a parametric database. Later, IMOS supported interferometer and large telescope mission studies at JPL with MATLAB modeling of structural dynamics, thermal analysis, and geometric optics. IMOS's predecessor was a simple FORTRAN command line interpreter for LQG controller design with additional functions that built state-space finite element models. Specialized language systems such as CAESY were formulated and prototyped to provide more complex object-oriented functions suited to control-structure interaction. A more recent example of optical modeling directly in mechanical CAD is used to illustrate possible future directions. While the value of directly posing the optical metric in system dynamics terms is well understood today, the potential payoff is illustrated briefly via project-based examples. It is quite likely that integrated structure thermal optical performance (STOP) modeling could be accomplished in a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tool set. The work flow could be adopted, for example, by a team developing a small high-performance optical or radio frequency (RF) instrument.

High resolution tiltmeters and strainmeters based on extrinsic fiber Fabbry-Perot interferometry: the LINES project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

chery, J.; Boudin, F.; Cattoen, M.; Seat, H.; Suleiman, M.; Chawah, P.; Plantier, G.; Sourice, A.; Bernard, P.; Brunet, C.; Gaffet, S.; Boyer, D.

2011-12-01

Measurements of strain and vibrations due to seismic and volcanic processes are mandatory for the understanding and the monitoring of the behavior of these systems. In the future, risk mitigation will depend on our capability to detect in a reliable way small precursors of large seismic and volcanic events and to assess the seismic/aseismic spatial and temporal distribution and evolution of crustal strain in these unstable systems.The robustness of strain and motion detection is primary linked to measurement accuracy, but also to the number and repartition of instrument. This implies that instrument cost and maintenance are essential for the development of networks. To date, only GPS sensors are robust enough to be deployed for long periods of time with limited problems of maintenance. Tiltmeters and strainmeters capabilities are often plagued by numerous technical problems limiting their usefulness. On the basis of existing or prototype sensors, we develop new instruments (seismometers, tiltmeters, strainmeters) using an interferometric motion measurement. Both Laser source and fringe analysis are connected to the mechanical sensor with long optic fiber (100 m - 10 km) depending on applications (volcanoes, sea bottom, boreholes) The fiber signal transmission is a major improvement by comparison with usual electric wires (cost, data channels, lightning, weight). Also, the absence of embedded electronic on the sensor is a guarantee for reliability and toughness. The proposed optical cell is an extrinsic all-fiber Fabry-Perot type interferometer (EFFPI). While being intrinsically insensitive to external perturbations to the sensing arm such as from stress/strain and temperature variations, the EFFPI is, however, extremely sensitive to changes in its sensing cavity length caused by parameters such as displacement, strain, and mechanical deformation along the optical axis. Coupled to well-advanced associated technologies in terms of laser sources (stability, output power), optical fiber (quality, low losses, couplers, connectics), photodetection (bandwidth, gain, low-noise) and real-time interferometric signal demodulation, this interferometer is today a mature device whose performance potential can be exploited in in-situ environmental monitoring of seismic activities (earthquakes and volcanoes) and in predicting the related risks. In the framework of the LINES project, we develop three types of mechanical sensors: a long baseline tiltmeter based on hydrostatic levelling, a borehole tiltmeter based on a simple pendulum and a seismometer for detecting vibrations at frequencies higher than 1 Hz. A common building principle is an external laser source and phase detector: as this part of the tool is remotely connected through an optic fiber to the underground sensor, this overcomes most of electric, power and maintenance problem occurring with non-optical devices. Moreover, this allows simple analog data transmission for a real-time network monitoring. We will show preliminary results suggesting that a rapid transition between laboratory prototypes and field instruments is likely.

Design of Excess 3 to BCD code converter using electro-optic effect of Mach-Zehnder Interferometers for efficient data transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Santosh; Chanderkanta; Amphawan, Angela

2016-04-01

Excess 3 code is one of the most important codes used for efficient data storage and transmission. It is a non-weighted code and also known as self complimenting code. In this paper, a four bit optical Excess 3 to BCD code converter is proposed using electro-optic effect inside lithium-niobate based Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs). The MZI structures have powerful capability to switching an optical input signal to a desired output port. The paper constitutes a mathematical description of the proposed device and thereafter simulation using MATLAB. The study is verified using beam propagation method (BPM).

A Martin-Puplett cartridge FIR interferometer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Roger J.; Penniman, Edwin E.; Jarboe, Thomas R.

2004-10-01

A compact prealigned Martin-Puplett interferometer (MPI) cartridge for plasma interferometry is described. The MPI cartridge groups all components of a MP interferometer, with the exception of the end mirror for the scene beam, on a stand-alone rigid platform. The interferometer system is completed by positioning a cartridge anywhere along and coaxial with the scene beam, considerably reducing the amount of effort in alignment over a discrete component layout. This allows the interferometer to be expanded to any number of interferometry chords consistent with optical access, limited only by the laser power. The cartridge interferometer has been successfully incorporated as amore » second chord on the Helicity Injected Torus II (HIT-II) far infrared interferometer system and a comparison with the discrete component system is presented. Given the utility and compactness of the cartridge, a possible design for a five-chord interferometer arrangement on the HIT-II device is described.« less

The Design and Implementation of the Wide-Angle Michelson Interferometer to Observe Thermospheric Winds.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, William Edmund

The design and implementation of a Wide-Angle Michelson interferometer (WAMI) as a high spectral resolution device for measuring Doppler shifts and temperatures in the thermosphere is discussed in detail. A general theoretical framework is developed to describe the behavior of interferometers and is applied to the WAMI. Notions concerning the optical coupling of various surfaces within an interferometer are developed and used to investigate the effects of misalignments in the WAMI optics. In addition, these notions in combination with ideas on the polarization behavior of interferometers are used to suggest how complex multisurfaced interferometers might be developed, what features affect their behavior most strongly, and how this behavior might be controlled. Those aspects of the Michelson interferometer important to its use as a high resolution spectral device are outlined and expressions relating the physical features of the interferometer and the spectral features of the radiation passing through the instrument, to the form of the observed interference pattern are derived. The sensitivity of the WAMI to misalignments in its optical components is explored, and quantitative estimations of the effects of these misalignments made. A working WAMI with cube corners instead of plane mirrors was constructed and is described. The theoretical notions outlined above are applied to this instrument and found to account for most of its features. A general digital procedure is developed for the analysis of the observed interference fringes which permits an estimation of the amplitude, visibility and phase of the fringes. This instrument was taken to Bird, northern Manitoba as part of the ground based support for the Auroral Rocket and Image Excitation Study (ARIES) rocket campaign. Doppler shifts and linewidth variations in O(^1 D) and O(^1S) emissions in the aurora were observed during several nights and constitute the first synoptic wind measurements taken with a WAMI. The results from an eight hour period of O(^1 D) observations are analysed and found to be similar to those obtained with Fabry-Perot interferometers. Higher temporal resolution data than any previously published were obtained, and suggest the presence of previously undetected small scale structures in the wind and temperature data. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).

Study on avalanche photodiode influence on heterodyne laser interferometer linearity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Budzyn, Grzegorz, E-mail: grzegorz.budzyn@pwr.wroc.pl; Podzorny, Tomasz

2016-06-28

In the paper we analyze factors reducing the possible accuracy of the heterodyne laser interferometers. The analysis is performed for the avalanche-photodiode input stages but is in main points valid also for stages with other type of photodetectors. Instrumental error originating from optical, electronic and digital signal processing factors is taken into consideration. We stress factors which are critical and those which can be neglected at certain accuracy requirements. In the work we prove that it is possible to reduce errors of the laser instrument below 1 nm point for multiaxial APD based interferometers by precise control of incident optical powermore » and the temperature of the photodiode.« less

Spectral monitoring of toluene and ethanol in gasoline blends using Fourier-Transform Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortega Clavero, Valentin; Weber, Andreas; Schröder, Werner; Curticapean, Dan; Meyrueis, Patrick; Javahiraly, Nicolas

2013-04-01

The combination of fossil-derived fuels with ethanol and methanol has acquired relevance and attention in several countries in recent years. This trend is strongly affected by market prices, constant geopolitical events, new sustainability policies, new laws and regulations, etc. Besides bio-fuels these materials also include different additives as anti-shock agents and as octane enhancer. Some of the chemical compounds in these additives may have harmful properties for both environment and public health (besides the inherent properties, like volatility). We present detailed Raman spectral information from toluene (C7H8) and ethanol (C2H6O) contained in samples of ElO gasoline-ethanol blends. The spectral information has been extracted by using a robust, high resolution Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman) prototype. This spectral information has been also compared with Raman spectra from pure additives and with standard Raman lines in order to validate its accuracy in frequency. The spectral information is presented in the range of 0 cm-1 to 3500 cm-1 with a resolution of 1.66cm-1. This allows resolving tight adjacent Raman lines like the ones observed around 1003cm-1 and 1030cm-1 (characteristic lines of toluene). The Raman spectra obtained show a reduced frequency deviation when compared to standard Raman spectra from different calibration materials. The FT-Raman spectrometer prototype used for the analysis consist basically of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter cooled down on a Peltier element arrangement. The light coupling is achieved with conventional62.5/125μm multi-mode fibers. This FT-Raman setup is able to extract high resolution and frequency precise Raman spectra from the additives in the fuels analyzed. The proposed prototype has no additional complex hardware components or costly software modules. The mechanical and thermal disturbances affecting the FT-Raman system are mathematically compensated by accurately extracting the optical path information of the Michelson interferometer. This is accomplished by generating an additional interference pattern with a λ = 632.8 nm Helium-Neon laser (HeNe laser). It enables the FT-Raman system to perform reliable and clean spectral measurements from the materials under observation.

Experimental study of the mutual influence of fibre Faraday elements in a spun-fibre interferometer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gubin, V P; Morshnev, S K; Przhiyalkovsky, Ya V

2015-08-31

An all-spun-fibre linear reflective interferometer with two linked Faraday fibre coils is studied. It is found experimentally that there is mutual influence of Faraday fibre coils in this interferometer. It manifests itself as an additional phase shift of the interferometer response, which depends on the circular birefringence induced by the Faraday effect in both coils. In addition, the interferometer contrast and magneto-optical sensitivity of one of the coils change. A probable physical mechanism of the discovered effect is the distributed coupling of orthogonal polarised waves in the fibre medium, which is caused by fibre bend in the coil. (interferometry)

Dim star fringe stabilization demonstration using pathlength feed-forward on the SIM testbed 3 (STB3)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goullioud, Renaud; Alvarez-Salazar, Oscar S.; Nemati, Bijan

2003-02-01

Future space-based optical interferometers such as the Space Interferometer Mission require fringe stabilization to the level of nanometers in order to produce astrometric data at the micro-arc-second level. Even the best attitude control system available to date will not be able to stabilize the attitude of a several thousand pound spacecraft to a few milli-arc-seconds. Active pathlength control is usually implemented to compensate for attitude drift of the spacecraft. This issue has been addressed in previous experiments while tracking bright stars. In the case of dim stars, as the sensor bandwidth falls below one hertz, feedback control will not provide sufficient rejection. However, stabilization of the fringes from a dim-star down to the nanometer level can be done open loop using information from additional interferometers looking at bright guide stars. The STB3 testbed developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory features three optical interferometers sharing a common baseline, dynamically representative to the SIM interferometer. An artificial star feeding the interferometers is installed on a separate optics bench. Voice coils are used to simulate the attitude motion of the spacecraft by moving the entire bench. Data measured on STB3 show that fringe motion of a dim star due to spacecraft attitude changes can be attenuated by 80 dB at 0.1Hz without feedback control, using only information from two guide stars. This paper describes the STB3 setup, the pathlength feed-forward architecture, implementation issues and data collected with the system.

Sensitivity distribution of a vibration sensor based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer designed inside the window system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zboril, Ondrej; Nedoma, Jan; Cubik, Jakub; Novak, Martin; Bednarek, Lukas; Fajkus, Marcel; Vasinek, Vladimir

2016-04-01

Interferometric sensors are very accurate and sensitive sensors that due to the extreme sensitivity allow sensing vibration and acoustic signals. This paper describes a new method of implementation of Mach-Zehnder interferometer for sensing of vibrations caused by touching on the window panes. Window panes are part of plastic windows, in which the reference arm of the interferometer is mounted and isolated inside the frame, a measuring arm of the interferometer is fixed to the window pane and it is mounted under the cover of the window frame. It prevents visibility of the optical fiber and this arrangement is the basis for the safety system. For the construction of the vibration sensor standard elements of communication networks are used - optical fiber according to G.652D and 1x2 splitters with dividing ratio 1:1. Interferometer operated at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The paper analyses the sensitivity of the window in a 12x12 measuring points matrix, there is specified sensitivity distribution of the window pane.

Broadband, Achromatic Twyman-Green Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steimle, Lawrence J.

1991-01-01

Improved Twyman-Green interferometer used in wave-front testing optical components at wavelengths from 200 to 1,100 nm, without having to readjust focus when changing wavelength. Built to measure aberrations of light passing through optical filters. Collimating and imaging lenses of classical Twyman-Green configuration replaced by single spherical mirror. Field lens replaced by field mirror. Mirrors exhibit no axial chromatic aberration and made to reflect light efficiently over desired broad range of wavelengths.

Longitudinal Plasmoid in High-Speed Vortex Gas Flow Created by Capacity HF Discharge

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-28

interferometer with high space resolution, PIV method, FTIR spectrometer, optical spectrometer, pressure sensors with high time resolution, IR pyrometer and...of strong LP-vortex interaction. Intensive acoustic waves are created by CHFD in swirl flow in this regime. 38. Study of control of a longitudinal...quartz tube, 4- HF ball electrode, 5- Tesla’s transformer, 6- microwave interferometer, 7- video camera, 8-optical pyrometer , 9-pressure sensor, 10

Development of an optical fiber interferometer for detection of surface flaws in aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilbert, John A.

1991-01-01

The main objective was to demonstrate the potential of using an optical fiber interferometer (OFI) to detect surface flaws in aluminum samples. Standard ultrasonic excitation was used to generate Rayleigh surface waves. After the waves interacted with a defect, the modified responses were detected using the OFI and the results were analyzed for time-of-flight and frequency content to predict the size and location of the flaws.

The low coherence Fabry-Pérot interferometer with diamond and ZnO layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majchrowicz, D.; Den, W.; Hirsch, M.

2016-09-01

The authors present a fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot interferometer built with the application of diamond and zinc oxide (ZnO) thin layers. Thin ZnO films were deposited on the tip of a standard telecommunication single-mode optical fiber (SMF- 28) while the diamond layer was grown on the plate of silicon substrate. Investigated ZnO layers were fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and the diamond films were deposited using Microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (μPE CVD) system. Different thickness of layers was examined. The measurements were performed for the fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot interferometer working in the reflective mode. Spectra were registered for various thicknesses of ZnO layer and various length of the air cavity. As a light source, two superluminescent diodes (SLD) with central wavelength of 1300 nm and 1550 nm were used in measurement set-up.

Dual-domain lateral shearing interferometer

DOEpatents

Naulleau, Patrick P.; Goldberg, Kenneth Alan

2004-03-16

The phase-shifting point diffraction interferometer (PS/PDI) was developed to address the problem of at-wavelength metrology of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) optical systems. Although extremely accurate, the fact that the PS/PDI is limited to use with coherent EUV sources, such as undulator radiation, is a drawback for its widespread use. An alternative to the PS/PDI, with relaxed coherence requirements, is lateral shearing interferometry (LSI). The use of a cross-grating, carrier-frequency configuration to characterize a large-field 4.times.-reduction EUV lithography optic is demonstrated. The results obtained are directly compared with PS/PDI measurements. A defocused implementation of the lateral shearing interferometer in which an image-plane filter allows both phase-shifting and Fourier wavefront recovery. The two wavefront recovery methods can be combined in a dual-domain technique providing suppression of noise added by self-interference of high-frequency components in the test-optic wavefront.

Speckle interferometry using fiber optic phase stepping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Beheim, Glenn

1989-01-01

A system employing closed-loop phase-stepping is used to measure the out-of-plane deformation of a diffusely reflecting object. Optical fibers are used to provide reference and object beam illumination for a standard two-beam speckle interferometer, providing set-up flexibility and ease of alignment. Piezoelectric fiber-stretchers and a phase-measurement/servo system are used to provide highly accurate phase steps. Intensity data is captured with a charge-injection-device camera, and is converted into a phase map using a desktop computer. The closed-loop phase-stepping system provides 90 deg phase steps which are accurate to 0.02 deg, greatly improving this system relative to open-loop interferometers. The system is demonstrated on a speckle interferometer, measuring the rigid-body translation of a diffusely reflecting object with an accuracy + or - 10 deg, or roughly + or - 15 nanometers. This accuracy is achieved without the use of a pneumatically mounted optics table.

OVMS: the optical path difference and vibration monitoring system for the LBT and its interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kürster, M.; Bertram, T.; Borelli, J. L.; Brix, M.; Gässler, W.; Herbst, T. M.; Naranjo, V.; Pott, J.-U.; Trowitzsch, J.; Connors, T. E.; Hinz, P. M.; McMahon, T. J.; Ashby, D. S.; Brynnel, J. G.; Cushing, N. J.; Edgin, T.; Esguerra, J. D.; Green, R. F.; Kraus, J.; Little, J.; Beckmann, U.; Weigelt, G. P.

2010-07-01

Characterisation, mitigation and correction of telescope vibrations have proven to be crucial for the performance of astronomical infrared interferometers. The project teams of the interferometers for the LBT, LINC-NIRVANA and LBTI, and LBT Observatory (LBTO) have embarked on a joint effort to implement an accelerometer-based vibration measurement system distributed over the optical elements of the LBT. OVMS, the Optical Path Difference and Vibration Monitoring System will serve to (i) ensure conditions suitable for adaptive optics (AO) and interferometric (IF) observations and (ii) utilize vibration information, converted into tip-tilt and optical path difference data, in the control strategies of the LBT adaptive secondary mirrors and the beam combining interferometers. The system hardware is mainly developed by Steward Observatory's LBTI team and its installation at the LBT is underway. The OVMS software development and associated computer infrastructure is the responsibility of the LINC-NIRVANA team at MPIA Heidelberg. Initially, the OVMS will fill a data archive provided by LBTO that will be used to study vibration data and correlate them with telescope movements and environmental parameters thereby identifiying sources of vibrations and to eliminate or mitigate them. Data display tools will help LBTO staff to keep vibrations within predefined thresholds for quiet conditions for AO and IF observations. Later-on real-time data from the OVMS will be fed into the control loops of the AO systems and IF instruments in order to permit the correction of vibration signals with frequencies up to 450 Hz.

Optical waveguide device with an adiabatically-varying width

DOEpatents

Watts,; Michael R. , Nielson; Gregory, N [Albuquerque, NM

2011-05-10

Optical waveguide devices are disclosed which utilize an optical waveguide having a waveguide bend therein with a width that varies adiabatically between a minimum value and a maximum value of the width. One or more connecting members can be attached to the waveguide bend near the maximum value of the width thereof to support the waveguide bend or to supply electrical power to an impurity-doped region located within the waveguide bend near the maximum value of the width. The impurity-doped region can form an electrical heater or a semiconductor junction which can be activated with a voltage to provide a variable optical path length in the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide devices can be used to form a tunable interferometer (e.g. a Mach-Zehnder interferometer) which can be used for optical modulation or switching. The optical waveguide devices can also be used to form an optical delay line.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Yung-Cheng; Shyu, Lih-Horng; Chang, Chung-Ping

The optical configuration of a Fabry-Perot interferometer is uncomplicated. This has already been applied in different measurement systems. For the displacement measurement with the Fabry-Perot interferometer, the result is significantly influenced by the tilt angles of the measurement mirror in the interferometer. Hence, only for the rather small measuring range, the Fabry-Perot interferometer is available. The goal of this investigation is to enhance the measuring range of Fabry-Perot interferometer by compensating the tilt angles. To verify the measuring characteristic of the self-developed Fabry-Perot interferometer, some comparison measurements with a reference standard have been performed. The maximum deviation of comparison experimentsmore » is less than 0.3 {mu}m in the traveling range of 30 mm. The experimental results show that the Fabry-Perot interferometer is highly stable, insensitive to environment effects, and can meet the measuring requirement of the submicrometer order.« less

Two-Particle Four-Mode Interferometer for Atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dussarrat, Pierre; Perrier, Maxime; Imanaliev, Almazbek; Lopes, Raphael; Aspect, Alain; Cheneau, Marc; Boiron, Denis; Westbrook, Christoph I.

2017-10-01

We present a free-space interferometer to observe two-particle interference of a pair of atoms with entangled momenta. The source of atom pairs is a Bose-Einstein condensate subject to a dynamical instability, and the interferometer is realized using Bragg diffraction on optical lattices, in the spirit of our recent Hong-Ou-Mandel experiment. We report on an observation ruling out the possibility of a purely mixed state at the input of the interferometer. We explain how our current setup can be extended to enable a test of a Bell inequality on momentum observables.

Fourier-transform and global contrast interferometer alignment methods

DOEpatents

Goldberg, Kenneth A.

2001-01-01

Interferometric methods are presented to facilitate alignment of image-plane components within an interferometer and for the magnified viewing of interferometer masks in situ. Fourier-transforms are performed on intensity patterns that are detected with the interferometer and are used to calculate pseudo-images of the electric field in the image plane of the test optic where the critical alignment of various components is being performed. Fine alignment is aided by the introduction and optimization of a global contrast parameter that is easily calculated from the Fourier-transform.

A combined scanning tunnelling microscope and x-ray interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yacoot, Andrew; Kuetgens, Ulrich; Koenders, Ludger; Weimann, Thomas

2001-10-01

A monolithic x-ray interferometer made from silicon and a scanning tunnelling microscope have been combined and used to calibrate grating structures with periodicities of 100 nm or less. The x-ray interferometer is used as a translation stage which moves in discrete steps of 0.192 nm, the lattice spacing of the silicon (220) planes. Hence, movements are traceable to the definition of the metre and the nonlinearity associated with the optical interferometers used to measure displacement in more conventional metrological scanning probe microscopes (MSPMs) removed.

Polarizing Gires-Tournois interferometer as intra-cavity frequency-selective element in high-power lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuhmann, Karsten; Kirch, Klaus; Marszałek, Mirosław; Pototschnig, Martin; Sinkunaite, Laura; Wichmann, Gunther; Zeyen, Manuel; Antognini, Aldo

2018-02-01

We present a frequency selective optical setup based on a Gires-Tournois interferometer suitable to enforce single-frequency operation of high power lasers. It is based on a birefringent Gires-Tournois interferometer combined with a λ/4 plate and a polarizer. The high-reflective part of the Gires-Tournois interferometer can be contacted to a heat sink to obtain efficient cooling (similar cooling principle as for the active medium in thin-disk lasers) enabling power scaling up to output powers in the kW range.

Electro-Optic Modulator and Method

DTIC Science & Technology

An optical intensity modulator which uses a Sagnac interferometer having an electro - optic phase modulator therein. An electric modulation signal is...modulating the optical signals by the electrical signal, the electro - optic effect in the modulator phase shifts the optical signals with respect to one another

An interferometer for high-resolution optical surveillance from geostationary orbit - space system study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonino, L.; Bresciani, F.; Piasini, G.; Flebus, C.; Lecat, J.-H.; Roose, S.; Pisani, M.; Cabral, A.; Rebordão, J.; Proença, C.; Costal, J.; Lima, P. U.; Musso, F.

2017-11-01

This paper describes the study of an interferometric instrument for the high-resolution surveillance of the Earth from geostationary orbit (GEO) performed for the EUCLID CEPA 9 RTP 9.9 "High Resolution Optical Satellite Sensor" project of the WEAO Research Cell. It is an in-depth description of a part of the activities described in. The instrument design, both optical and mechanical, is described; tradeoffs have been done for different restoration methods, based on an image generated using calculated point spread functions (PSF's) for the complete FOV. Co-phasing concept for the optical interferometer has been defined together with the optical metrology needed. Design and simulation of the overall instrument control system was carried out.

Verification of polarising optics for the LISA optical bench.

PubMed

Dehne, Marina; Tröbs, Michael; Heinzel, Gerhard; Danzmann, Karsten

2012-12-03

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a space-based interferometric gravitational wave detector. In the current baseline design for the optical bench, the use of polarising optics is foreseen to separate optical beams. Therefore it is important to investigate the influence of polarising components on the interferometer sensitivity and validate that the required picometre stability in the low-frequency band (1 mHz - 1 Hz) is achievable. This paper discusses the design of the experiment and the implemented stabilisation loops. A displacement readout fulfilling the requirement in the whole frequency band is presented. Alternatively, we demonstrate improvement of the noise performance by implementing various algorithms in data post-processing, which leads to an additional robustness for the LISA mission.

Laser modulator for LISA pathfinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voland, C.; Lund, G.; Coppoolse, W.; Crosby, P.; Stadler, M.; Kudielka, K.; Özkan, C.

2017-11-01

LISA Pathfinder is an ESA experiment to demonstrate the key technologies needed for the LISA mission to detect gravitational waves in space. The LISA Pathfinder spacecraft represents one arm of the LISA interferometer, containing an optical metrology system and two proof masses as inertial references for the drag-free control system. The LISA Pathfinder payload consists of two drag-free floating test masses located in the inertial sensors with their control electronics and an optical metrology subsystem. The optical metrology subsystem monitors the movement of both test masses relative to each other and to the spacecraft with very high sensitivity and resolution. This is achieved with a heterodyne Mach- Zehnder interferometer. This interferometer requires as input two coherent laser beams with a heterodyne frequency difference of a few kHz. To generate the two laser beams with a heterodyne frequency difference a Nd:YAG laser is used together with the Laser Modulator. The Nd:YAG laser generates a single coherent laser signal at a wavelength of 1064nm which is fibre coupled to the Laser Modulator. The Laser Modulator then generates the two optical beams with the required heterodyne frequency offset. In addition, the Laser Modulator is required to perform laser amplitude stabilization and optical path difference control for the two optical signals. The Laser Modulator consists of an optical unit - the LMU - and RF synthesiser, power amplification and control electronics. These electronics are all housed in the Laser Modulator Electronics (LME). The LMU has four primary functions: • Splitting of the input laser beam into two paths for later superposition in the interferometer. • Applying different frequency shifts to each of the beams. • Providing amplitude modulation control to each of the beams. • Providing active control of the optical path length difference between the two optical paths. The present paper describes the design and performance of the LMU together with a summary of the results of the Laser Modulator engineering model test campaign.

Development of a Grazing Incidence X-Ray Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shipley, Ann; Cash, Webster; Osterman, Steve; Joy, Marshall; Carter, James

1999-01-01

A grazing incidence x-ray interferometer design capable of micro-arcsecond level resolution is discussed. This practical design employs a Michelson Stellar interferometer approach to create x-ray interference fringes without the use of Wolter style optics or diffraction crystals. Design solutions accommodating alignment, vibration, and thermal constraints are reviewed. We present the development and demonstration of a working experiment along with tolerance studies, data analysis, and results.

Modelling the performance of interferometric gravitational-wave detectors with realistically imperfect optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bochner, Brett

The LIGO project is part of a world-wide effort to detect the influx of Gravitational Waves upon the earth from astrophysical sources, via their interaction with laser beams in interferometric detectors that are designed for extraordinarily high sensitivity. Central to the successful performance of LIGO detectors is the quality of their optical components, and the efficient optimization of interferometer configuration parameters. To predict LIGO performance with optics possessing realistic imperfections, we have developed a numerical simulation program to compute the steady-state electric fields of a complete, coupled-cavity LIGO interferometer. The program can model a wide variety of deformations, including laser beam mismatch and/or misalignment, finite mirror size, mirror tilts, curvature distortions, mirror surface roughness, and substrate inhomogeneities. Important interferometer parameters are automatically optimized during program execution to achieve the best possible sensitivity for each new set of perturbed mirrors. This thesis includes investigations of two interferometer designs: the initial LIGO system, and an advanced LIGO configuration called Dual Recycling. For Initial-LIGO simulations, the program models carrier and sideband frequency beams to compute the explicit shot-noise-limited gravitational wave sensitivity of the interferometer. It is demonstrated that optics of exceptional quality (root-mean-square deformations of less than ~1 nm in the central mirror regions) are necessary to meet Initial-LIGO performance requirements, but that they can be feasibly met. It is also shown that improvements in mirror quality can substantially increase LIGO's sensitivity to selected astrophysical sources. For Dual Recycling, the program models gravitational- wave-induced sidebands over a range of frequencies to demonstrate that the tuned and narrow-banded signal responses predicted for this configuration can be achieved with imperfect optics. Dual Recycling has lower losses at the interferometer signal port than the Initial-LIGO system, though not significantly improved tolerance to mirror roughness deformations in terms of maintaining high signals. Finally, it is shown that 'Wavefront Healing', the claim that losses can be re- injected into the system to feed the gravitational wave signals, is successful in theory, but limited in practice for optics which cause large scattering losses. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253- 1690.)

Modelling the performance of interferometric gravitational-wave detectors with realistically imperfect optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bochner, Brett

1998-12-01

The LIGO project is part of a world-wide effort to detect the influx of Gravitational Waves upon the earth from astrophysical sources, via their interaction with laser beams in interferometric detectors that are designed for extraordinarily high sensitivity. Central to the successful performance of LIGO detectors is the quality of their optical components, and the efficient optimization of interferometer configuration parameters. To predict LIGO performance with optics possessing realistic imperfections, we have developed a numerical simulation program to compute the steady-state electric fields of a complete, coupled-cavity LIGO interferometer. The program can model a wide variety of deformations, including laser beam mismatch and/or misalignment, finite mirror size, mirror tilts, curvature distortions, mirror surface roughness, and substrate inhomogeneities. Important interferometer parameters are automatically optimized during program execution to achieve the best possible sensitivity for each new set of perturbed mirrors. This thesis includes investigations of two interferometer designs: the initial LIGO system, and an advanced LIGO configuration called Dual Recycling. For Initial-LIGO simulations, the program models carrier and sideband frequency beams to compute the explicit shot-noise-limited gravitational wave sensitivity of the interferometer. It is demonstrated that optics of exceptional quality (root-mean-square deformations of less than ~1 nm in the central mirror regions) are necessary to meet Initial-LIGO performance requirements, but that they can be feasibly met. It is also shown that improvements in mirror quality can substantially increase LIGO's sensitivity to selected astrophysical sources. For Dual Recycling, the program models gravitational- wave-induced sidebands over a range of frequencies to demonstrate that the tuned and narrow-banded signal responses predicted for this configuration can be achieved with imperfect optics. Dual Recycling has lower losses at the interferometer signal port than the Initial-LIGO system, though not significantly improved tolerance to mirror roughness deformations in terms of maintaining high signals. Finally, it is shown that 'Wavefront Healing', the claim that losses can be re- injected into the system to feed the gravitational wave signals, is successful in theory, but limited in practice for optics which cause large scattering losses. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253- 1690.)

Polarizing optical interferometer having a dual use optical element

DOEpatents

Kotidis, P.A.; Woodroffe, J.A.; Rostler, P.S.

1995-04-04

A system for nondestructively measuring an object and controlling industrial processes in response to the measurement is disclosed in which an impulse laser generates a plurality of sound waves over timed increments in an object. A polarizing interferometer is used to measure surface movement of the object caused by the sound waves and sensed by phase shifts in the signal beam. A photon multiplier senses the phase shift and develops an electrical signal. A signal conditioning arrangement modifies the electrical signals to generate an average signal correlated to the sound waves which in turn is correlated to a physical or metallurgical property of the object, such as temperature, which property may then be used to control the process. External, random vibrations of the workpiece are utilized to develop discernible signals which can be sensed in the interferometer by only one photon multiplier. In addition the interferometer includes an arrangement for optimizing its sensitivity so that movement attributed to various waves can be detected in opaque objects. The interferometer also includes a mechanism for sensing objects with rough surfaces which produce speckle light patterns. Finally the interferometer per se, with the addition of a second photon multiplier is capable of accurately recording beam length distance differences with only one reading. 38 figures.

Polarizing optical interferometer having a dual use optical element

DOEpatents

Kotidis, Petros A.; Woodroffe, Jaime A.; Rostler, Peter S.

1995-01-01

A system for non-destructively measuring an object and controlling industrial processes in response to the measurement is disclosed in which an impulse laser generates a plurality of sound waves over timed increments in an object. A polarizing interferometer is used to measure surface movement of the object caused by the sound waves and sensed by phase shifts in the signal beam. A photon multiplier senses the phase shift and develops an electrical signal. A signal conditioning arrangement modifies the electrical signals to generate an average signal correlated to the sound waves which in turn is correlated to a physical or metallurgical property of the object, such as temperature, which property may then be used to control the process. External, random vibrations of the workpiece are utilized to develop discernible signals which can be sensed in the interferometer by only one photon multiplier. In addition the interferometer includes an arrangement for optimizing its sensitivity so that movement attributed to various waves can be detected in opaque objects. The interferometer also includes a mechanism for sensing objects with rough surfaces which produce speckle light patterns. Finally the interferometer per se, with the addition of a second photon multiplier is capable of accurately recording beam length distance differences with only one reading.

Scaling up the precision in a ytterbium Bose-Einstein condensate interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAlpine, Katherine; Plotkin-Swing, Benjamin; Gochnauer, Daniel; Saxberg, Brendan; Gupta, Subhadeep

2016-05-01

We report on progress toward a high-precision ytterbium (Yb) Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer, with the goal of measuring h/m and thus the fine structure constant α. Here h is Planck's constant and m is the mass of a Yb atom. The use of the non-magnetic Yb atom makes our experiment insensitive to magnetic field noise. Our chosen symmetric 3-path interferometer geometry suppresses errors from vibration, rotation, and acceleration. The precision scales with the phase accrued due to the kinetic energy difference between the interferometer arms, resulting in a quadratic sensitivity to the momentum difference. We are installing and testing the laser pulses for large momentum transfer via Bloch oscillations. We will report on Yb BEC production in a new apparatus and progress toward realizing the atom optical elements for high precision measurements. We will also discuss approaches to mitigate two important systematics: (i) atom interaction effects can be suppressed by creating the BEC in a dynamically shaped optical trap to reduce the density; (ii) diffraction phase effects from the various atom-optical elements can be accounted for through an analysis of the light-atom interaction for each pulse.

A variable partially polarizing beam splitter.

PubMed

Flórez, Jefferson; Carlson, Nathan J; Nacke, Codey H; Giner, Lambert; Lundeen, Jeff S

2018-02-01

We present designs for variably polarizing beam splitters. These are beam splitters allowing the complete and independent control of the horizontal and vertical polarization splitting ratios. They have quantum optics and quantum information applications, such as quantum logic gates for quantum computing and non-local measurements for quantum state estimation. At the heart of each design is an interferometer. We experimentally demonstrate one particular implementation, a displaced Sagnac interferometer configuration, that provides an inherent instability to air currents and vibrations. Furthermore, this design does not require any custom-made optics but only common components which can be easily found in an optics laboratory.

A variable partially polarizing beam splitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flórez, Jefferson; Carlson, Nathan J.; Nacke, Codey H.; Giner, Lambert; Lundeen, Jeff S.

2018-02-01

We present designs for variably polarizing beam splitters. These are beam splitters allowing the complete and independent control of the horizontal and vertical polarization splitting ratios. They have quantum optics and quantum information applications, such as quantum logic gates for quantum computing and non-local measurements for quantum state estimation. At the heart of each design is an interferometer. We experimentally demonstrate one particular implementation, a displaced Sagnac interferometer configuration, that provides an inherent instability to air currents and vibrations. Furthermore, this design does not require any custom-made optics but only common components which can be easily found in an optics laboratory.

Study of Optical Fiber Sensors for Cryogenic Temperature Measurements.

PubMed

De Miguel-Soto, Veronica; Leandro, Daniel; Lopez-Aldaba, Aitor; Beato-López, Juan Jesus; Pérez-Landazábal, José Ignacio; Auguste, Jean-Louis; Jamier, Raphael; Roy, Philippe; Lopez-Amo, Manuel

2017-11-30

In this work, the performance of five different fiber optic sensors at cryogenic temperatures has been analyzed. A photonic crystal fiber Fabry-Pérot interferometer, two Sagnac interferometers, a commercial fiber Bragg grating (FBG), and a π-phase shifted fiber Bragg grating interrogated in a random distributed feedback fiber laser have been studied. Their sensitivities and resolutions as sensors for cryogenic temperatures have been compared regarding their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, the results have been compared with the given by a commercial optical backscatter reflectometer that allowed for distributed temperature measurements of a single mode fiber.

Distributed dynamic large strain optical fiber sensor based on the detection of spontaneous Brillouin scattering.

PubMed

Masoudi, Ali; Belal, Mohammad; Newson, Trevor P

2013-09-01

A Brillouin-based distributed optical fiber dynamic strain sensor is described which converts strain-induced Brillouin frequency shift into optical intensity variations by using an imbalanced Mach-Zhender interferometer. A 3×3 coupler is used at the output of this interferometer to permit differentiate and cross multiply demodulation. The demonstrated sensor is capable of probing dynamic strain disturbances over 2 km of sensing length every 0.5 s up to a strain of 10 mε with an accuracy of ±50 με and spatial resolution of 1.3 m.

Study of Optical Fiber Sensors for Cryogenic Temperature Measurements

PubMed Central

Leandro, Daniel; Lopez-Aldaba, Aitor; Beato-López, Juan Jesus; Pérez-Landazábal, José Ignacio; Auguste, Jean-Louis; Jamier, Raphael; Roy, Philippe; Lopez-Amo, Manuel

2017-01-01

In this work, the performance of five different fiber optic sensors at cryogenic temperatures has been analyzed. A photonic crystal fiber Fabry-Pérot interferometer, two Sagnac interferometers, a commercial fiber Bragg grating (FBG), and a π-phase shifted fiber Bragg grating interrogated in a random distributed feedback fiber laser have been studied. Their sensitivities and resolutions as sensors for cryogenic temperatures have been compared regarding their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, the results have been compared with the given by a commercial optical backscatter reflectometer that allowed for distributed temperature measurements of a single mode fiber. PMID:29189755

LIGO optics manufacture: figuring transmission core optics for best performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leistner, Achim J.; Farrant, David I.; Oreb, Bozenko F.; Pavlovic, Edita; Seckold, Jeffrey A.; Walsh, Christopher J.

1999-11-01

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) is a long baseline Michelson interferometer, with arms of up to 4 km in length each containing a Fabry Perot cavity. CSIRO has manufactured 32 core optical components for the LIGO interferometer consisting of five different groups of optical elements. Long radii of curvature (7 km - 15 km) and tolerances in the order of plus or minus 200 m in the radius are specified. Although the components are made of hyper pure fused silica there are some residual inhomogeneities in the material. The optics used in transmission must be figured so that the influence of these material inhomogeneities on the transmitted wave front is compensated for. This was done by correcting the surface figure on side 2 of the optics. The approach we took to manufacturing the transmission optics was to calculate the quadratic component of refractive index gradient (Delta) n of the substrate from the measurements of the transmitted wavefront and the surface profile of the two substrate surfaces, determine what shape had to be produced on side two of the substrates to compensate for this gradient and then produce this by optical polishing. The surfaces were polished on rigid solid laps of Zerodur coated with a thin layer of Teflon as the polishing matrix, a technique developed by CSIRO for super-polishing very flat surfaces.

Micro-precision control/structure interaction technology for large optical space systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sirlin, Samuel W.; Laskin, Robert A.

1993-01-01

The CSI program at JPL is chartered to develop the structures and control technology needed for sub-micron level stabilization of future optical space systems. The extreme dimensional stability required for such systems derives from the need to maintain the alignment and figure of critical optical elements to a small fraction (typically 1/20th to 1/50th) of the wavelength of detected radiation. The wavelength is about 0.5 micron for visible light and 0.1 micron for ultra-violet light. This lambda/50 requirement is common to a broad class of optical systems including filled aperture telescopes (with monolithic or segmented primary mirrors), sparse aperture telescopes, and optical interferometers. The challenge for CSI arises when such systems become large, with spatially distributed optical elements mounted on a lightweight, flexible structure. In order to better understand the requirements for micro-precision CSI technology, a representative future optical system was identified and developed as an analytical testbed for CSI concepts and approaches. An optical interferometer was selected as a stressing example of the relevant mission class. The system that emerged was termed the Focus Mission Interferometer (FMI). This paper will describe the multi-layer control architecture used to address the FMI's nanometer level stabilization requirements. In addition the paper will discuss on-going and planned experimental work aimed at demonstrating that multi-layer CSI can work in practice in the relevant performance regime.

The optical design concept of SPICA-SAFARI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jellema, Willem; Kruizinga, Bob; Visser, Huib; van den Dool, Teun; Pastor Santos, Carmen; Torres Redondo, Josefina; Eggens, Martin; Ferlet, Marc; Swinyard, Bruce; Dohlen, Kjetil; Griffin, Doug; Gonzalez Fernandez, Luis Miguel; Belenguer, Tomas; Matsuhara, Hideo; Kawada, Mitsunobu; Doi, Yasuo

2012-09-01

The Safari instrument on the Japanese SPICA mission is a zodiacal background limited imaging spectrometer offering a photometric imaging (R ≍ 2), and a low (R = 100) and medium spectral resolution (R = 2000 at 100 μm) spectroscopy mode in three photometric bands covering the 34-210 μm wavelength range. The instrument utilizes Nyquist sampled filled arrays of very sensitive TES detectors providing a 2’x2’ instantaneous field of view. The all-reflective optical system of Safari is highly modular and consists of an input optics module containing the entrance shutter, a calibration source and a pair of filter wheels, followed by an interferometer and finally the camera bay optics accommodating the focal-plane arrays. The optical design is largely driven and constrained by volume inviting for a compact three-dimensional arrangement of the interferometer and camera bay optics without compromising the optical performance requirements associated with a diffraction- and background-limited spectroscopic imaging instrument. Central to the optics we present a flexible and compact non-polarizing Mach-Zehnder interferometer layout, with dual input and output ports, employing a novel FTS scan mechanism based on magnetic bearings and a linear motor. In this paper we discuss the conceptual design of the focal-plane optics and describe how we implement the optical instrument functions, define the photometric bands, deal with straylight control, diffraction and thermal emission in the long-wavelength limit and interface to the large-format FPA arrays at one end and the SPICA telescope assembly at the other end.

A Lunar Optical-Ultraviolet-Infrared Synthesis Array (LOUISA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, Jack O. (Editor); Johnson, Stewart W. (Editor); Duric, Nebojsa (Editor)

1992-01-01

This document contains papers presented at a workshop held to consider 'optical ultraviolet infrared' interferometric observations from the moon. Part 1 is an introduction. Part 2 is a description of current and planned ground-based interferometers. Part 3 is a description of potential space-based interferometers. Part 4 addresses the potential for interferometry on the moon. Part 5 is the report of the workshop's working groups. Concluding remarks, summary, and conclusions are presented in Part 6.

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS. FIBER WAVEGUIDE DEVICES: Fiber Michelson interferometer with a 50-km difference between its arms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dianov, Evgenii M.; Kuznetsov, A. V.; Makarenko, A. Yu; Okhotnikov, O. G.; Prokhorov, A. M.; Shcherbakov, E. A.

1990-12-01

Single-mode fiber waveguides were used in constructing a Michelson interferometer with a 50-km difference between its arm lengths. An analysis was made of its resolving power as a function of the parameters of the optical part and of the characteristics of the electronic apparatus used in the system. The width of a spectral emission line of a semiconductor laser with a distributed Rayleigh fiber resonator was determined.

Report of the Science Working Group: Science with a lunar optical interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

Resolution is the greatest constraint in observational astronomy. The Earth's atmosphere causes on optical image to blur to about 1 arcsec or greater. Interferometric techniques have been developed to overcome atmospheric limitations for both filled aperture conventional telescopes and for partially filled aperture telescopes, such as the Michelson or the radio interferometer. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) represents the first step toward space based optical astronomy. The HST represents an immediate short term evolution of observational optical astronomy. A longer time scale of evolution is focused on and the benefits are considered to astronomy of placing an array of telescopes on the Moon at a time when a permanent base may exist there.

A recent history of science cases for optical interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Defrère, Denis; Aerts, Conny; Kishimoto, Makoto; Léna, Pierre

2018-04-01

Optical long-baseline interferometry is a unique and powerful technique for astronomical research. Since the 1980's (with I2T, GI2T, Mark I to III, SUSI, ...), optical interferometers have produced an increasing number of scientific papers covering various fields of astrophysics. As current interferometric facilities are reaching their maturity, we take the opportunity in this paper to summarize the conclusions of a few key meetings, workshops, and conferences dedicated to interferometry. We present the most persistent recommendations related to science cases and discuss some key technological developments required to address them. In the era of extremely large telescopes, optical long-baseline interferometers will remain crucial to probe the smallest spatial scales and make breakthrough discoveries.

LISA Technology Development and Risk Reduction at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stebbins, Robin T.

2010-01-01

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a joint ESA-NASA project to design, build and operate a space-based gravitational wave detector based on a laser interferometer. LISA relies on several technologies that are either new to spaceflight or must perform at levels not previously demonstrated in a spaceflight environment. The ESA-led LISA Pathfinder mission is the main effort to demonstrate LISA technology. NASA also supports complementary ground-based technology development and risk reduction activities. This presentation will report the status of NASA work on micronewton thrusters, the telescope, the optical pointing subsystem and mission formulation. More details on some of these topics will be given in posters. Other talks and posters will describe NASA-supported work on the laser subsystem, the phasemeter, and aspects of the interferometry. Two flight-qualified clusters of four colloid micronewton thrusters, each capable of thrust Levels between 5 and 30 microNewton with a resolution less than 0.l microNewton and a thrust noise less than 0.1 microNewton/vHz (0.001 to 4 Hz), have been integrated onto the LISA Pathfinder spacecraft. The complementary ground-based development focuses on lifetime demonstration. Laboratory verification of failure models and accelerated life tests are just getting started. LISA needs a 40 cm diameter, afocal telescope for beam expansion/reduction that maintains an optical pathlength stability of approximately 1 pm/vHz in an extremely stable thermal environment. A mechanical prototype of a silicon carbide primary-secondary structure has been fabricated for stability testing. Two optical assemblies must point at different distant spacecraft with nanoradian accuracy over approximately 1 degree annual variation in the angle between the distant spacecraft. A candidate piezo-inchworm actuator is being tested in a suitable testbed. In addition to technology development, NASA has carried out several studies in support of the mission formulation. The results of systems engineering work on flight software, avionics and reliability will be summarized.

Design and tolerance analysis of a transmission sphere by interferometer model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Wei-Jei; Ho, Cheng-Fong; Lin, Wen-Lung; Yu, Zong-Ru; Huang, Chien-Yao; Hsu, Wei-Yao

2015-09-01

The design of a 6-in, f/2.2 transmission sphere for Fizeau interferometry is presented in this paper. To predict the actual performance during design phase, we build an interferometer model combined with tolerance analysis in Zemax. Evaluating focus imaging is not enough for a double pass optical system. Thus, we study the interferometer model that includes system error, wavefronts reflected from reference surface and tested surface. Firstly, we generate a deformation map of the tested surface. Because of multiple configurations in Zemax, we can get the test wavefront and the reference wavefront reflected from the tested surface and the reference surface of transmission sphere respectively. According to the theory of interferometry, we subtract both wavefronts to acquire the phase of tested surface. Zernike polynomial is applied to transfer the map from phase to sag and to remove piston, tilt and power. The restored map is the same as original map; because of no system error exists. Secondly, perturbed tolerances including fabrication of lenses and assembly are considered. The system error occurs because the test and reference beam are no longer common path perfectly. The restored map is inaccurate while the system error is added. Although the system error can be subtracted by calibration, it should be still controlled within a small range to avoid calibration error. Generally the reference wavefront error including the system error and the irregularity of the reference surface of 6-in transmission sphere is measured within peak-to-valley (PV) 0.1 λ (λ=0.6328 um), which is not easy to approach. Consequently, it is necessary to predict the value of system error before manufacture. Finally, a prototype is developed and tested by a reference surface with PV 0.1 λ irregularity.

On-chip Mach-Zehnder interferometer for OCT systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Leeuwen, Ton G.; Akca, Imran B.; Angelou, Nikolaos; Weiss, Nicolas; Hoekman, Marcel; Leinse, Arne; Heideman, Rene G.

2018-04-01

By using integrated optics, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of a bulky optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. One of the OCT components that can be implemented on-chip is the interferometer. In this work, we present the design and characterization of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer consisting of the wavelength-independent splitters and an on-chip reference arm. The Si3N4 was chosen as the material platform as it can provide low losses while keeping the device size small. The device was characterized by using a home-built swept source OCT system. A sensitivity value of 83 dB, an axial resolution of 15.2 μm (in air) and a depth range of 2.5 mm (in air) were all obtained.

Thin-film-based optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer used for humidity sensing.

PubMed

Peng, Jiankun; Qu, Yapeng; Wang, Weijia; Sun, Tengpeng; Yang, Minghong

2018-04-20

A thin-film-based optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer that consists of ZrO 2 and SiO 2 porous thin films is designed and fabricated by electron beam physical vapor deposition. Since the SiO 2 porous thin film has the capability of water adsorption, the proposed Fabry-Perot interferometer is appropriate to detect humidity. Experimental results show that the prepared sensor has a humidity detection range from 0.06% RH to 70% RH. A cycling test shows that the humidity sensor has a responding or recover time of 4 s and good repeatability among different humidity environments. Especially, the proposed humidity sensor is insensitive to temperature variation and suitable for the detection of low relative humidity.

Radio-frequency low-coherence interferometry.

PubMed

Fernández-Pousa, Carlos R; Mora, José; Maestre, Haroldo; Corral, Pablo

2014-06-15

A method for retrieving low-coherence interferograms, based on the use of a microwave photonics filter, is proposed and demonstrated. The method is equivalent to the double-interferometer technique, with the scanning interferometer replaced by an analog fiber-optics link and the visibility recorded as the amplitude of its radio-frequency (RF) response. As a low-coherence interferometry system, it shows a decrease of resolution induced by the fiber's third-order dispersion (β3). As a displacement sensor, it provides highly linear and slope-scalable readouts of the interferometer's optical path difference in terms of RF, even in the presence of third-order dispersion. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we demonstrate 20-μm displacement readouts using C-band EDFA sources and standard single-mode fiber.

The Wide-Field Imaging Interferometry Testbed (WIIT): Recent Progress in the Simulation and Synthesis of WIIT Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juanola Parramon, Roser; Leisawitz, David T.; Bolcar, Matthew R.; Maher, Stephen F.; Rinehart, Stephen A.; Iacchetta, Alex; Savini, Giorgio

2016-01-01

The Wide-field Imaging Interferometry Testbed (WIIT) is a double Fourier (DF) interferometer operating at optical wavelengths, and provides data that are highly representative of those from a space-based far-infrared interferometer like SPIRIT. This testbed has been used to measure both a geometrically simple test scene and an astronomically representative test scene. Here we present the simulation of recent WIIT measurements using FIInS (the Far-infrared Interferometer Instrument Simulator), the main goal of which is to simulate both the input and the output of a DFM system. FIInS has been modified to perform calculations at optical wavelengths and to include an extended field of view due to the presence of a detector array.

Solid optical ring interferometer for high-throughput feedback-free spectral analysis and filtering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Petrak, B.; Peiris, M.; Muller, A., E-mail: mullera@usf.edu

2015-02-15

We describe a simple and inexpensive optical ring interferometer for use in high-resolution spectral analysis and filtering. It consists of a solid cuboid, reflection-coated on two opposite sides, in which constructive interference occurs for waves in a rhombic trajectory. Due to its monolithic design, the interferometer’s resonance frequencies are insensitive to environmental disturbances over time. Additional advantages are its simplicity of alignment, high-throughput, and feedback-free operation. If desired, it can be stabilized with a secondary laser without disturbance of the primary signal. We illustrate the use of the interferometer for the measurement of the spectral Mollow triplet from a quantummore » dot and characterize its long-term stability for filtering applications.« less

Coherence-length-gated distributed optical fiber sensing based on microwave-photonic interferometry.

PubMed

Hua, Liwei; Song, Yang; Cheng, Baokai; Zhu, Wenge; Zhang, Qi; Xiao, Hai

2017-12-11

This paper presents a new optical fiber distributed sensing concept based on coherent microwave-photonics interferometry (CMPI), which uses a microwave modulated coherent light source to interrogate cascaded interferometers for distributed measurement. By scanning the microwave frequencies, the complex microwave spectrum is obtained and converted to time domain signals at known locations by complex Fourier transform. The amplitudes of these time domain pulses are a function of the optical path differences (OPDs) of the distributed interferometers. Cascaded fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers (FPIs) fabricated by femtosecond laser micromachining were used to demonstrate the concept. The experimental results indicated that the strain measurement resolution can be better than 0.6 µε using a FPI with a cavity length of 1.5 cm. Further improvement of the strain resolution to the nε level is achievable by increasing the cavity length of the FPI to over 1m. The tradeoff between the sensitivity and dynamic range was also analyzed in detail. To minimize the optical power instability (either from the light source or the fiber loss) induced errors, a single reflector was added in front of an individual FPI as an optical power reference for the purpose of compensation.

NEuclid: a long-range tilt-immune homodyne interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradshaw, M. J.; Speake, C. C.

2017-11-01

The new Easy to Use Compact Laser Interferometric Device (nEUCLID) is a polarisation-based homodyne interferometer with substantially unequal arms that is tolerant to target mirror tilt. The design has no active components, uses standard optical components of 25 mm diameter, has a working distance of 706 mm and a reference arm-length of 21 mm. nEUCLID optics have a footprint of 210 x 190 x 180 mm, and has a tolerance to target mirror tilt of +/- 0.5 degrees, made possible by a novel new retro-reflector design [1]. nEUCLID was built to a set of specifications laid down by Airbus Defence and Space, who required a lowmass, low-power device to measure displacement with nanometre accuracy for space applications. At the University of Birmingham we have previously built a smaller, more compact tilt-insensitive homodyne interferometer - the EUCLID [2, 3, 4] - which has a working distance of 6 mm, a working range of +/- 3 mm, and a tilt range of +/- 1° [2]. We created a new optical design to allow a much larger working distance to be achieved (as discussed in Section II) and used this in a new interferometer - the nEUCLID. Section II describes the interferometer in detail; how nEUCLID is tilt insensitive, and the optical configuration. Section III states the design specifications from Airbus Defence and Space and the components used in the final design. The output interference pattern from nEUCLID, and how it has been corrected with a meniscus lens, is also discussed. In Section IV we discuss the results demonstrating the tilt immunity range, and the sensitivity of the device. Section V describes several potential applications of nEUCLID, and Section VI draws together our conclusions.

Analysis on optical heterodyne frequency error of full-field heterodyne interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; Zhang, Wenxi; Wu, Zhou; Lv, Xiaoyu; Kong, Xinxin; Guo, Xiaoli

2017-06-01

The full-field heterodyne interferometric measurement technology is beginning better applied by employing low frequency heterodyne acousto-optical modulators instead of complex electro-mechanical scanning devices. The optical element surface could be directly acquired by synchronously detecting the received signal phases of each pixel, because standard matrix detector as CCD and CMOS cameras could be used in heterodyne interferometer. Instead of the traditional four-step phase shifting phase calculating, Fourier spectral analysis method is used for phase extracting which brings lower sensitivity to sources of uncertainty and higher measurement accuracy. In this paper, two types of full-field heterodyne interferometer are described whose advantages and disadvantages are also specified. Heterodyne interferometer has to combine two different frequency beams to produce interference, which brings a variety of optical heterodyne frequency errors. Frequency mixing error and beat frequency error are two different kinds of inescapable heterodyne frequency errors. In this paper, the effects of frequency mixing error to surface measurement are derived. The relationship between the phase extraction accuracy and the errors are calculated. :: The tolerance of the extinction ratio of polarization splitting prism and the signal-to-noise ratio of stray light is given. The error of phase extraction by Fourier analysis that caused by beat frequency shifting is derived and calculated. We also propose an improved phase extraction method based on spectrum correction. An amplitude ratio spectrum correction algorithm with using Hanning window is used to correct the heterodyne signal phase extraction. The simulation results show that this method can effectively suppress the degradation of phase extracting caused by beat frequency error and reduce the measurement uncertainty of full-field heterodyne interferometer.

Simultaneous water vapor and dry air optical path length measurements and compensation with the large binocular telescope interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Defrère, D.; Hinz, P.; Downey, E.; Böhm, M.; Danchi, W. C.; Durney, O.; Ertel, S.; Hill, J. M.; Hoffmann, W. F.; Mennesson, B.; Millan-Gabet, R.; Montoya, M.; Pott, J.-U.; Skemer, A.; Spalding, E.; Stone, J.; Vaz, A.

2016-08-01

The Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer uses a near-infrared camera to measure the optical path length variations between the two AO-corrected apertures and provide high-angular resolution observations for all its science channels (1.5-13 microns). There is however a wavelength dependent component to the atmospheric turbulence, which can introduce optical path length errors when observing at a wavelength different from that of the fringe sensing camera. Water vapor in particular is highly dispersive and its effect must be taken into account for high-precision infrared interferometric observations as described previously for VLTI/MIDI or the Keck Interferometer Nuller. In this paper, we describe the new sensing approach that has been developed at the LBT to measure and monitor the optical path length fluctuations due to dry air and water vapor separately. After reviewing the current performance of the system for dry air seeing compensation, we present simultaneous H-, K-, and N-band observations that illustrate the feasibility of our feedforward approach to stabilize the path length fluctuations seen by the LBTI nuller.

Partially reduced graphene oxide based FRET on fiber-optic interferometer for biochemical detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, B. C.; Wu, Y.; Yu, C. B.; He, J. R.; Rao, Y. J.; Gong, Y.; Fu, F.; Chen, Y. F.; Li, Y. R.

2016-03-01

Fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) with naturally exceptional selectivity is a powerful technique and widely used in chemical and biomedical analysis. However, it is still challenging for conventional FRET to perform as a high sensitivity compact sensor. Here we propose a novel ‘FRET on Fiber’ concept, in which a partially reduced graphene oxide (prGO) film is deposited on a fiber-optic modal interferometer, acting as both the fluorescent quencher for the FRET and the sensitive cladding for optical phase measurement due to refractive index changes in biochemical detection. The target analytes induced fluorescence recovery with good selectivity and optical phase shift with high sensitivity are measured simultaneously. The functionalized prGO film coated on the fiber-optic interferometer shows high sensitivities for the detections of metal ion, dopamine and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), with detection limits of 1.2 nM, 1.3 μM and 1 pM, respectively. Such a prGO based ‘FRET on fiber’ configuration, bridging the FRET and the fiber-optic sensing technology, may serve as a platform for the realization of series of integrated ‘FRET on Fiber’ sensors for on-line environmental, chemical, and biomedical detection, with excellent compactness, high sensitivity, good selectivity and fast response

Partially reduced graphene oxide based FRET on fiber-optic interferometer for biochemical detection

PubMed Central

Yao, B. C.; Wu, Y.; Yu, C. B.; He, J. R.; Rao, Y. J.; Gong, Y.; Fu, F.; Chen, Y. F.; Li, Y. R.

2016-01-01

Fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) with naturally exceptional selectivity is a powerful technique and widely used in chemical and biomedical analysis. However, it is still challenging for conventional FRET to perform as a high sensitivity compact sensor. Here we propose a novel ‘FRET on Fiber’ concept, in which a partially reduced graphene oxide (prGO) film is deposited on a fiber-optic modal interferometer, acting as both the fluorescent quencher for the FRET and the sensitive cladding for optical phase measurement due to refractive index changes in biochemical detection. The target analytes induced fluorescence recovery with good selectivity and optical phase shift with high sensitivity are measured simultaneously. The functionalized prGO film coated on the fiber-optic interferometer shows high sensitivities for the detections of metal ion, dopamine and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), with detection limits of 1.2 nM, 1.3 μM and 1 pM, respectively. Such a prGO based ‘FRET on fiber’ configuration, bridging the FRET and the fiber-optic sensing technology, may serve as a platform for the realization of series of integrated ‘FRET on Fiber’ sensors for on-line environmental, chemical, and biomedical detection, with excellent compactness, high sensitivity, good selectivity and fast response PMID:27010752

Precision requirements and innovative manufacturing for ultrahigh precision laser interferometry of gravitational-wave astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Wei-Tou; Han, Sen; Jin, Tao

2016-11-01

With the LIGO announcement of the first direct detection of gravitational waves (GWs), the GW Astronomy was formally ushered into our age. After one-hundred years of theoretical investigation and fifty years of experimental endeavor, this is a historical landmark not just for physics and astronomy, but also for industry and manufacturing. The challenge and opportunity for industry is precision and innovative manufacturing in large size - production of large and homogeneous optical components, optical diagnosis of large components, high reflectance dielectric coating on large mirrors, manufacturing of components for ultrahigh vacuum of large volume, manufacturing of high attenuating vibration isolation system, production of high-power high-stability single-frequency lasers, production of high-resolution positioning systems etc. In this talk, we address the requirements and methods to satisfy these requirements. Optical diagnosis of large optical components requires large phase-shifting interferometer; the 1.06 μm Phase Shifting Interferometer for testing LIGO optics and the recently built 24" phase-shifting Interferometer in Chengdu, China are examples. High quality mirrors are crucial for laser interferometric GW detection, so as for ring laser gyroscope, high precision laser stabilization via optical cavities, quantum optomechanics, cavity quantum electrodynamics and vacuum birefringence measurement. There are stringent requirements on the substrate materials and coating methods. For cryogenic GW interferometer, appropriate coating on sapphire or silicon are required for good thermal and homogeneity properties. Large ultrahigh vacuum components and high attenuating vibration system together with an efficient metrology system are required and will be addressed. For space interferometry, drag-free technology and weak-light manipulation technology are must. Drag-free technology is well-developed. Weak-light phase locking is demonstrated in the laboratories while weak-light manipulation technology still needs developments.

Optical Multi-Channel Intensity Interferometry - Or: How to Resolve O-Stars in the Magellanic Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trippe, Sascha; Kim, Jae-Young; Lee, Bangwon; Choi, Changsu; Oh, Junghwan; Lee, Taeseok; Yoon, Sung-Chul; Im, Myungshin; Park, Yong-Sun

2014-12-01

Intensity interferometry, based on the Hanbury Brown--Twiss effect, is a simple and inexpensive method for optical interferometry at microarcsecond angular resolutions; its use in astronomy was abandoned in the 1970s because of low sensitivity. Motivated by recent technical developments, we argue that the sensitivity of large modern intensity interferometers can be improved by factors up to approximately 25,000, corresponding to 11 photometric magnitudes, compared to the pioneering Narrabri Stellar Interferometer. This is made possible by (i) using avalanche photodiodes (APD) as light detectors, (ii) distributing the light received from the source over multiple independent spectral channels, and (iii) use of arrays composed of multiple large light collectors. Our approach permits the construction of large (with baselines ranging from few kilometers to intercontinental distances) optical interferometers at the cost of (very) long-baseline radio interferometers. Realistic intensity interferometer designs are able to achieve limiting R-band magnitudes as good as m_R≈14, sufficient for spatially resolved observations of main-sequence O-type stars in the Magellanic Clouds. Multi-channel intensity interferometers can address a wide variety of science cases: (i) linear radii, effective temperatures, and luminosities of stars, via direct measurements of stellar angular sizes; (ii) mass--radius relationships of compact stellar remnants, via direct measurements of the angular sizes of white dwarfs; (iii) stellar rotation, via observations of rotation flattening and surface gravity darkening; (iv) stellar convection and the interaction of stellar photospheres and magnetic fields, via observations of dark and bright starspots; (v) the structure and evolution of multiple stars, via mapping of the companion stars and of accretion flows in interacting binaries; (vi) direct measurements of interstellar distances, derived from angular diameters of stars or via the interferometric Baade--Wesselink method; (vii) the physics of gas accretion onto supermassive black holes, via resolved observations of the central engines of luminous active galactic nuclei; and (viii) calibration of amplitude interferometers by providing a sample of calibrator stars.

Liquid-Crystal Point-Diffraction Interferometer for Wave-Front Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Creath, Katherine

1996-01-01

A new instrument, the liquid-crystal point-diffraction interferometer (LCPDI), is developed for the measurement of phase objects. This instrument maintains the compact, robust design of Linnik's point-diffraction interferometer and adds to it a phase-stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wave fronts with very high data density and with automated data reduction. We describe the theory and design of the LCPDI. A focus shift was measured with the LCPDI, and the results are compared with theoretical results,

High-sensitivity density fluctuation detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Azzazy, M.; Modarress, D.; Hoeft, T.

1987-01-01

A high-sensitivity differential interferometer has been developed to detect small density fluctuations over an optical path length of the order of the boundary layer thickness near transition. Two experimental configurations have been used to evaluate the performance of the interferometer: an open shear-layer configuration and a wind-tunnel turbulent spot configuration. In each experiment small temperature fluctuations were introduced as the signal source. Simultaneous cold-wire measurements have been compared with the interferometer data. The comparison shows that the interferometer is sensitive to very weak phase variations of the order of 0.001 of the laser wavelength.

Astronomical observatories on the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, Paul N.; Cutts, James A.

1994-06-01

The Space Exploration Initiative presents an opportunity to construct astronomical telescopes on the Moon using the infrastructure provided by the lunar outpost. Small automatically deployed telescopes can be carried on the survey missions, be deployed on the lunar surface and be operated remotely from the Earth. Possibilities for early, small optical telescopes are a zenith pointed transit telescope, a student telescope, and a 0.5 to 1 meter automatic, fully steerable telescope. After the lunar outpost is established the lunar interferometers will be constructed in an evolutionary fashion. There are three lunar interferometers which have been studied. The most ambitious is the optical interferometer with a 1 to 2 -km baseline and seven 1.5 aperture elements arranged in a 'Y' configuration with a central beam combiner. The Submillimeter interferometer would use seven, 5-m reflectors in a 'Y' or circular configuration with a 1-km baseline. The Very Low Frequency (VLF) array would operate below 30 mHz with as many as 100 elements and a 200-km baseline.

Non-Contact Photoacoustic Imaging Using a Commercial Heterodyne Interferometer

PubMed Central

Tian, Chao; Feng, Ting; Wang, Cheng; Liu, Shengchun; Cheng, Qian; Oliver, David E.; Wang, Xueding

2017-01-01

Most current photoacoustic imaging (PAI) systems employ piezoelectric transducers to receive photoacoustic signals, which requires coupling medium to facilitate photoacoustic wave propagation and are not favored in many applications. Here, we report an all-optical non-contact PAI system based on a commercial heterodyne interferometer working at 1550 nm. The interferometer remotely detects ultrasound-induced surface vibration and does not involve any physical contact with the sample. The theoretically predicated and experimentally measured noise equivalent detection limits of the optical sensor are about 4.5 and 810 Pa over 1.2 MHz bandwidth. Using a raster-scan PAI system equipped with the non-contact design, stereotactic boundaries of an artificial tumor in a pig brain were accurately delineated. The non-contact design also enables the tomographic PAI of biological tissue samples in a non-invasive manner. The preliminary results and analyses reveal that the heterodyne interferometer-based non-contact PAI system holds good potential in biomedical imaging. PMID:28210188

A universal matter-wave interferometer with optical ionization gratings in the time-domain

PubMed Central

Haslinger, Philipp; Dörre, Nadine; Geyer, Philipp; Rodewald, Jonas; Nimmrichter, Stefan; Arndt, Markus

2015-01-01

Matter-wave interferometry with atoms1 and molecules2 has attracted a rapidly growing interest throughout the last two decades both in demonstrations of fundamental quantum phenomena and in quantum-enhanced precision measurements. Such experiments exploit the non-classical superposition of two or more position and momentum states which are coherently split and rejoined to interfere3-11. Here, we present the experimental realization of a universal near-field interferometer built from three short-pulse single-photon ionization gratings12,13. We observe quantum interference of fast molecular clusters, with a composite de Broglie wavelength as small as 275 fm. Optical ionization gratings are largely independent of the specific internal level structure and are therefore universally applicable to different kinds of nanoparticles, ranging from atoms to clusters, molecules and nanospheres. The interferometer is sensitive to fringe shifts as small as a few nanometers and yet robust against velocity-dependent phase shifts, since the gratings exist only for nanoseconds and form an interferometer in the time-domain. PMID:25983851

Interferometric Fiber Optic Sensors

PubMed Central

Lee, Byeong Ha; Kim, Young Ho; Park, Kwan Seob; Eom, Joo Beom; Kim, Myoung Jin; Rho, Byung Sup; Choi, Hae Young

2012-01-01

Fiber optic interferometers to sense various physical parameters including temperature, strain, pressure, and refractive index have been widely investigated. They can be categorized into four types: Fabry-Perot, Mach-Zehnder, Michelson, and Sagnac. In this paper, each type of interferometric sensor is reviewed in terms of operating principles, fabrication methods, and application fields. Some specific examples of recently reported interferometeric sensor technologies are presented in detail to show their large potential in practical applications. Some of the simple to fabricate but exceedingly effective Fabry-Perot interferometers, implemented in both extrinsic and intrinsic structures, are discussed. Also, a wide variety of Mach-Zehnder and Michelson interferometric sensors based on photonic crystal fibers are introduced along with their remarkable sensing performances. Finally, the simultaneous multi-parameter sensing capability of a pair of long period fiber grating (LPG) is presented in two types of structures; one is the Mach-Zehnder interferometer formed in a double cladding fiber and the other is the highly sensitive Sagnac interferometer cascaded with an LPG pair. PMID:22736961

Testing and Characterization of a Prototype Telescope for the Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sankar, S.; Livas, J.

2016-01-01

We describe our efforts to fabricate, test and characterize a prototype telescope for the eLISA mission. Much of our work has centered on the modeling and measurement of scattered light performance. This work also builds on a previous demonstration of a high dimensional stability metering structure using particular choices of materials and interfaces. We will discuss ongoing plans to merge these two separate demonstrations into a single telescope design demonstrating both stray light and dimensional stability requirements simultaneously.

Displacement measurement with over-determined interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazar, Josef; Holá, Miroslava; Hrabina, Jan; Buchta, Zdeněk.; Číp, Ondřej; Oulehla, Jindřich

2012-01-01

We present a concept combining traditional displacement incremental interferometry with a tracking refractometer following the fluctuations of the refractive index of air. This concept is represented by an interferometric system of three Michelson-type interferometers where two are arranged in a counter-measuring configuration and the third one is set to measure the changes of the fixed length, here the measuring range of the overall displacement. In this configuration the two counter-measuring interferometers have identical beam paths with proportional parts of the overall one. The fixed interferometer with its geometrical length of the measuring beam linked to a mechanical reference made of a high thermal-stability material (Zerodur) operates as a tracking refractometer monitoring the atmospheric refractive index directly in the beam path of the displacement measuring interferometers. This principle has been demonstrated experimentally through a set of measurements in a temperature controlled environment under slowly changing refractive index of air in comparison with its indirect measurement through Edlen formula. With locking of the laser optical frequency to fixed value of the overall optical length the concept can operate as an interferometric system with compensation of the fluctuations of the refractive index of air.

A heterodyne interferometer for high-performance industrial metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuldt, Thilo; Gohlke, Martin; Weise, Dennis; Johann, Ulrich; Peters, Achim; Braxmaier, Claus

2008-11-01

We developed a compact, fiber-coupled heterodyne interferometer for translation and tilt metrology. Noise levels below 5 pm/√Hz in translation and below 10 nrad/√Hz in tilt measurement, both for frequencies above 10-2 Hz, were demonstrated in lab experiments. While this setup was developed with respect to the LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) space mission current activities focus on its adaptation for dimensional characterization of ultra-stable materials and industrial metrology. The interferometer is used in high-accuracy dilatometry measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of dimensionally highly stable materials such as carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and Zerodur. The facility offers the possibility to measure the CTE with an accuracy better 10-8/K. We also develop a very compact and quasi-monolithic sensor head utilizing ultra-low expansion glass material which is the basis for a future space-qualifiable interferometer setup and serves as a prototype for a sensor head used in industrial environment. For high resolution 3D profilometry and surface property measurements (i. e. roughness, evenness and roundness), a low-noise (<=1nm/√ Hz) actuator will be implemented which enables a scan of the measurement beam over the surface under investigation.

SU(1,1)-type light-atom-correlated interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Hongmei; Li, Dong; Yuan, Chun-Hua; Chen, L. Q.; Ou, Z. Y.; Zhang, Weiping

2015-08-01

The quantum correlation of light and atomic collective excitation can be used to compose an SU(1,1)-type hybrid light-atom interferometer, where one arm in the optical SU(1,1) interferometer is replaced by the atomic collective excitation. The phase-sensing probes include not only the photon field but also the atomic collective excitation inside the interferometer. For a coherent squeezed state as the phase-sensing field, the phase sensitivity can approach the Heisenberg limit under the optimal conditions. We also study the effects of the loss of light field and the dephasing of atomic excitation on the phase sensitivity. This kind of active SU(1,1) interferometer can also be realized in other systems, such as circuit quantum electrodynamics in microwave systems, which provides a different method for basic measurement using the hybrid interferometers.

Experimental generalized quantum suppression law in Sylvester interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viggianiello, Niko; Flamini, Fulvio; Innocenti, Luca; Cozzolino, Daniele; Bentivegna, Marco; Spagnolo, Nicolò; Crespi, Andrea; Brod, Daniel J.; Galvão, Ernesto F.; Osellame, Roberto; Sciarrino, Fabio

2018-03-01

Photonic interference is a key quantum resource for optical quantum computation, and in particular for so-called boson sampling devices. In interferometers with certain symmetries, genuine multiphoton quantum interference effectively suppresses certain sets of events, as in the original Hong–Ou–Mandel effect. Recently, it was shown that some classical and semi-classical models could be ruled out by identifying such suppressions in Fourier interferometers. Here we propose a suppression law suitable for random-input experiments in multimode Sylvester interferometers, and verify it experimentally using 4- and 8-mode integrated interferometers. The observed suppression occurs for a much larger fraction of input–output combinations than what is observed in Fourier interferometers of the same size, and could be relevant to certification of boson sampling machines and other experiments relying on bosonic interference, such as quantum simulation and quantum metrology.

Fabrication and metrology of km-scale radii on surfaces of master tooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leistner, Achim J.; Oreb, Bozenko F.; Seckold, Jeffrey A.; Walsh, Christopher J.

1999-08-01

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) core optical components have been manufactured by CSIRO. These optical substrates are optically polished on a lap surface that is made of Teflon coated onto a thick rigid faceted Zerodur base. To produce the km-scale radii (> 10 km) on these substrates the lap surface is shaped by abrading it with a fine ground silica plate whose radius of curvature corresponds to the one specified for the LIGO component. The plates are measured by a commercial phase stepping interferometer which is used in a grazing incidence arrangement. We describe the process of shaping and measuring the conditioning plates and laps.

Cryogenic optical tests of a lightweight HIP beryllium mirror

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melugin, Ramsey K.; Miller, Jacob H.; Young, J. A.; Howard, Steven D.; Pryor, G. Mark

1989-01-01

Five interferometric tests were conducted at cryogenic temperatures on a lightweight, 50 cm diameter, hot isostatic pressed (HIP) beryllium mirror in the Ames Research Center (ARC) Cryogenic Optics Test Facility. The purpose of the tests was to determine the stability of the mirror's figure when cooled to cryogenic temperatures. Test temperatures ranged from room ambient to 8 K. One cycle to 8 K and five cycles to 80 K were performed. Optical and thermal test methods are described. Data is presented to show the amount of cryogenic distortion and hysteresis present in the mirror when measured with an earlier, Shack interferometer, and with a newly-acquired, phase-measuring interferometer.

Vertical interferometer workstation for testing large spherical optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Truax, B.

2013-09-01

The design of an interferometer workstation for the testing of large concave and convex spherical optics is presented. The workstation handles optical components and mounts up to 425 mm in diameter with mass of up to 40 kg with 6 axes of adjustment. A unique method for the implementation of focus, roll and pitch was used allowing for extremely precise adjustment. The completed system includes transmission spheres with f-numbers from f/1.6 to f/0.82 incorporating reference surface diameters of up to 306 mm and surface accuracies of better than 63 nm PVr. The design challenges and resulting solutions are discussed. System performance results are presented.

Performance of a compact, hybrid optical evanescent-wave sensor for chemical and biological applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helmers, H.; Greco, Pierre; Benech, Pierre; Rustad, Rolf; Kherrat, Rochdi; Bouvier, Gérard

1996-02-01

We describe a hybrid evanescent-wave sensor component that we fabricated by using an integrated optical interferometer with a specially adapted photodetector array. The design of the interferometer is based on the use of tapered waveguides to obtain two intersecting collimated beams. Phase shifts can be measured with an angular precision of better than 10-3 rad, which corresponds to a superstrate index change inferior of 10-6 with our structure. The interest in the device as a chemical sensor is experimentally demonstrated. The same optical component could be used in a variety of other sensor applications, e.g., biological and immunological sensors.

Applications and testing of the LSCAD system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Althouse, Mark L.; Gross, Robert L.; Ditillo, John T.; Lagna, William M.; Kolodzey, Steve J.; Keiser, Christopher C.; Nasers, Gary D.

1996-06-01

The lightweight standoff chemical agent detector (LSCAD) is an infrared Michelson interferometer operating in the 8 - 13 micron band and is designed primarily for military contamination avoidance and early warning applications. The system is designed to be operated autonomously from a vehicle while on the move and provide 360 degree coverage. The first group of prototypes were delivered in 1994 and have undergone integration into several platforms including the HMMWV, the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the M109 self- propelled Howitzer and the Pioneer and Hurricane unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). Additional vehicles and platforms are planned. To meet the restrictions of military applications, the prototype interferometer subsystem has a weight of about 10 lbs and is approximately 0.20 cu fit in size. The full system size and weight depends upon the particular platform and its operational requirements. LSCAD employs onboard instrument control, data collection, analysis and target detection decision software, all of which are critical to real-time operation. The hardware, software, and test results are discussed.

Method to Enhance the Operation of an Optical Inspection Instrument Using Spatial Light Modulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trolinger, James; Lal, Amit; Jo, Joshua; Kupiec, Stephen

2012-01-01

For many aspheric and freeform optical components, existing interferometric solutions require a custom computer-generated hologram (CGH) to characterize the part. The overall objective of this research is to develop hardware and a procedure to produce a combined, dynamic, Hartmann/ Digital Holographic interferometry inspection system for a wide range of advanced optical components, including aspheric and freeform optics. This new instrument would have greater versatility and dynamic range than currently available measurement systems. The method uses a spatial light modulator to pre-condition wavefronts for imaging, interferometry, and data processing to improve the resolution and versatility of an optical inspection instrument. Existing interferometers and Hartmann inspection systems have either too small a dynamic range or insufficient resolution to characterize conveniently unusual optical surfaces like aspherical and freeform optics. For interferometers, a specially produced, computer-generated holographic optical element is needed to transform the wavefront to within the range of the interferometer. A new hybrid wavefront sensor employs newly available spatial light modulators (SLMs) as programmable holographic optical elements (HOEs). The HOE is programmed to enable the same instrument to inspect an optical element in stages, first by a Hartmann measurement, which has a very large dynamic range but less resolution. The first measurement provides the information required to precondition a reference wave that avails the measurement process to the more precise phase shifting interferometry. The SLM preconditions a wavefront before it is used to inspect an optical component. This adds important features to an optical inspection system, enabling not just wavefront conditioning for null testing and dynamic range extension, but also the creation of hybrid measurement procedures. This, for example, allows the combination of dynamic digital holography and Hartmann sensing procedures to cover a virtually unlimited dynamic range with high resolution. Digital holography technology brings all of the power and benefits of digital holographic interferometry to the requirement, while Hartmann-type wavefront sensors bring deflectometry technologies to the solution. The SLM can be used to generate arbitrary wavefronts in one leg of the interferometer, thereby greatly simplifying its use and extending its range. The SLM can also be used to modify the system into a dynamic Shack-Hartmann system, which is useful for optical components with large amounts of slope. By integrating these capabilities into a single instrument, the system will have tremendous flexibility to measure a variety of optical shapes accurately.

Ultrasonic Interferometers Revisited

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenslade, Thomas B., Jr.

2007-01-01

I have been tinkering with ultrasonic transducers once more. In earlier notes I reported on optics-like experiments performed with ultrasonics, described a number of ultrasonic interferometers, and showed how ultrasonic transducers can be used for Fourier analysis. This time I became interested in trying the technique of using two detectors in…

Astrophysical Adaptation of Points, the Precision Optical Interferometer in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reasenberg, Robert D.; Babcock, Robert W.; Murison, Marc A.; Noecker, M. Charles; Phillips, James D.; Schumaker, Bonny L.; Ulvestad, James S.; McKinley, William; Zielinski, Robert J.; Lillie, Charles F.

1996-01-01

POINTS (Precision Optical INTerferometer in Space) would perform microarcsecond optical astrometric measurements from space, yielding submicroarcsecond astrometric results from the mission. It comprises a pair of independent Michelson stellar interferometers and a laser metrology system that measures both the critical starlight paths and the angle between the baselines. The instrument has two baselines of 2 m, each with two subapertures of 35 cm; by articulating the angle between the baselines, it observes targets separated by 87 to 93 deg. POINTS does global astrometry, i.e., it measures widely separated targets, which yields closure calibration, numerous bright reference stars, and absolute parallax. Simplicity, stability, and the mitigation of systematic error are the central design themes. The instrument has only three moving-part mechanisms, and only one of these must move with sub-milliradian precision; the other two can tolerate a precision of several tenths of a degree. Optical surfaces preceding the beamsplitter or its fold flat are interferometrically critical; on each side of the interferometer, there are only three such. Thus, light loss and wavefront distortion are minimized. POINTS represents a minimalistic design developed ab initio for space. Since it is intended for astrometry, and therefore does not require the u-v-plane coverage of an imaging, instrument, each interferometer need have only two subapertures. The design relies on articulation of the angle between the interferometers and body pointing to select targets; the observations are restricted to the 'instrument plane.' That plane, which is fixed in the pointed instrument, is defined by the sensitive direction for the two interferometers. Thus, there is no need for siderostats and moving delay lines, which would have added many precision mechanisms with rolling and sliding parts that would be required to function throughout the mission. Further, there is no need for a third interferometer, as is required when out-of-plane observations are made. An instrument for astrometry, unlike those for imaging, can be compact and yet scientifically productive. The POINTS instrument is compact and therefore requires no deployment of precision structures, has no low-frequency (i.e., under 100 Hz) vibration modes, and is relatively easy to control thermally. Because of its small size and mass, it is easily and quickly repointed between observations. Further, because of the low mass, it can be economically launched into high Earth orbit which, in conjunction with a solar shield, yields nearly unrestricted sky coverage and a stable thermal environment.

Non-contact measurements of ultrasonic waves on paper webs using a photorefractive interferometer

DOEpatents

Brodeur, Pierre H.; Lafond, Emmanuel F.

2000-01-01

An apparatus and method for non-contact measurement of ultrasonic waves on moving paper webs employs a photorefractive interferometer. The photorefractive interferometer employs an optical head in which the incident beam and reflected beam are coaxial, thus enabling detection of both in-plane and out-of-plane waves with a single apparatus. The incident beam and reference beams are focused into a line enabling greater power to be used without damaging the paper.

Single and double superimposing interferometer systems

DOEpatents

Erskine, David J.

2000-01-01

Interferometers which can imprint a coherent delay on a broadband uncollimated beam are described. The delay value can be independent of incident ray angle, allowing interferometry using uncollimated beams from common extended sources such as lamps and fiber bundles, and facilitating Fourier Transform spectroscopy of wide angle sources. Pairs of such interferometers matched in delay and dispersion can measure velocity and communicate using ordinary lamps, wide diameter optical fibers and arbitrary non-imaging paths, and not requiring a laser.

Effect of telescope antenna diagram on the data acquisition in a stellar interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longueteau, Emmanuel; Delage, Laurent; Reynaud, François

2017-11-01

This paper deals with the effect of the telescope size on accuracy of the data acquisition in a optical fibre linked stellar interferometer. In this context we introduce the concept of antenna diagram commonly used for microwaves antennae. This concept is essential to explain the contrasts and the phaseclosure acquisitions corruption in a stellar interferometer. The telescope pointing errors induces additional effects that are superimposed with the field limitation and could become critical.

Phase Retrieval System for Assessing Diamond Turning and Optical Surface Defects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, Bruce; Maldonado, Alex; Bolcar, Matthew

2011-01-01

An optical design is presented for a measurement system used to assess the impact of surface errors originating from diamond turning artifacts. Diamond turning artifacts are common by-products of optical surface shaping using the diamond turning process (a diamond-tipped cutting tool used in a lathe configuration). Assessing and evaluating the errors imparted by diamond turning (including other surface errors attributed to optical manufacturing techniques) can be problematic and generally requires the use of an optical interferometer. Commercial interferometers can be expensive when compared to the simple optical setup developed here, which is used in combination with an image-based sensing technique (phase retrieval). Phase retrieval is a general term used in optics to describe the estimation of optical imperfections or aberrations. This turnkey system uses only image-based data and has minimal hardware requirements. The system is straightforward to set up, easy to align, and can provide nanometer accuracy on the measurement of optical surface defects.

Spherical grating monochromator with interferometer control and in-vacuum reference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holly, D. J.; Mason, W. P.; Sailor, T.; Smith, R. E.; Wahl, D.

2002-03-01

Physical Science Laboratory's new generation of spherical grating monochromators incorporates a laser interferometer to control scan angle and an in-vacuum absolute angle reference, as well as other improvements. The design accommodates up to six gratings which can be moved axially (under motor control, with encoder position readback) at any scan angle. The gratings are cooled by means of spring-loaded clamps which conduct heat to a water-cooled plate. The instruments feature hollow roller bearings on the scan axis to minimize bearing runout, and a pseudosine-bar drive for precise control of grating angle. The interferometer angle-measuring optics are mounted inside the vacuum chamber and measure the angle between the grating scan axis and the instrument's granite base. The laser interferometer measures the grating angle with a resolution of approximately 0.02 arcsec over the entire scan range of 40°. To provide a reference for the interferometer angle measurement, we have built an in-vacuum optical reference which uses custom chrome-on-glass reticles mounted inside the vacuum chamber. Collimated light from a source outside the vacuum passes through the reticles to yield quadrature signals which precisely define an absolute reference angle for the interferometer. Repeatability of the grating angle is within a range of ±0.05 arcsec. Two of these instruments are in operation at SRRC (Taiwan) and a third instrument has been delivered to NSLS (Brookhaven).

Multifunction interferometry using the electron mobility visibility and mean free path relationship.

PubMed

Pornsuwancharoen, N; Youplao, P; Amiri, I S; Aziz, M S; Tran, Q L; Ali, J; Yupapin, P; Grattan, K T V

2018-05-08

A conventional Michelson interferometer is modified and used to form the various types of interferometers. The basic system consists of a conventional Michelson interferometer with silicon-graphene-gold embedded between layers on the ports. When light from the monochromatic source is input into the system via the input port (silicon waveguide), the change in optical path difference (OPD) of light traveling in the stacked layers introduces the change in the optical phase, which affects to the electron mean free path within the gold layer, induces the change in the overall electron mobility can be seen by the interferometer output visibility. Further plasmonic waves are introduced on the graphene thin film and the electron mobility occurred within the gold layer, in which the light-electron energy conversion in terms of the electron mobility can be observed, the gold layer length is 100 nm. The measurement resolution in terms of the OPD of ∼50 nm is achieved. In applications, the outputs of the drop port device of the modified Michelson interferometer can be arranged by the different detectors, where the polarized light outputs, the photon outputs, the electron spin outputs can be obtained by the interference fringe visibility, mobility visibility and the spin up-down splitting output energies. The modified Michelson interferometer theory and the detection schemes are given in details. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modified Fabry-Perot interferometer for displacement measurement in ultra large measuring range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chung-Ping; Tung, Pi-Cheng; Shyu, Lih-Horng; Wang, Yung-Cheng; Manske, Eberhard

2013-05-01

Laser interferometers have demonstrated outstanding measuring performances for high precision positioning or dimensional measurements in the precision industry, especially in the length measurement. Due to the non-common-optical-path structure, appreciable measurement errors can be easily induced under ordinary measurement conditions. That will lead to the limitation and inconvenience for in situ industrial applications. To minimize the environmental and mechanical effects, a new interferometric displacement measuring system with the common-optical-path structure and the resistance to tilt-angle is proposed. With the integration of optomechatronic modules in the novel interferometric system, the resolution up to picometer order, high precision, and ultra large measuring range have been realized. For the signal stabilization of displacement measurement, an automatic gain control module has been proposed. A self-developed interpolation model has been employed for enhancing the resolution. The novel interferometer can hold the advantage of high resolution and large measuring range simultaneously. By the experimental verifications, it has been proven that the actual resolution of 2.5 nm can be achieved in the measuring range of 500 mm. According to the comparison experiments, the maximal standard deviation of the difference between the self-developed Fabry-Perot interferometer and the reference commercial Michelson interferometer is 0.146 μm in the traveling range of 500 mm. With the prominent measuring characteristics, this should be the largest dynamic measurement range of a Fabry-Perot interferometer up till now.

Partial Discharge Ultrasound Detection Using the Sagnac Interferometer System

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaomin; Gao, Yan; Zhang, Hongjuan; Wang, Dong; Jin, Baoquan

2018-01-01

Partial discharge detection is crucial for electrical cable safety evaluation. The ultrasonic signals frequently generated in the partial discharge process contains important characteristic information. However, traditional ultrasonic transducers are easily subject to strong electromagnetic interference in environments with high voltages and strong magnetic fields. In order to overcome this problem, an optical fiber Sagnac interferometer system is proposed for partial discharge ultrasound detection. Optical fiber sensing and time-frequency analysis of the ultrasonic signals excited by the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer is realized for the first time. The effective frequency band of the Sagnac interferometer system was up to 175 kHz with the help of a designed 10 kV partial discharge simulator device. Using the cumulative histogram method, the characteristic ultrasonic frequency band of the partial discharges was between 28.9 kHz and 57.6 kHz for this optical fiber partial discharge detection system. This new ultrasound sensor can be used as an ideal ultrasonic source for the intrinsically safe detection of partial discharges in an explosive environment. PMID:29734682

Development and Application of Integrated Optical Sensors for Intense E-Field Measurement

PubMed Central

Zeng, Rong; Wang, Bo; Niu, Ben; Yu, Zhanqing

2012-01-01

The measurement of intense E-fields is a fundamental need in various research areas. Integrated optical E-field sensors (IOESs) have important advantages and are potentially suitable for intense E-field detection. This paper comprehensively reviews the development and applications of several types of IOESs over the last 30 years, including the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), coupler interferometer (CI) and common path interferometer (CPI). The features of the different types of IOESs are compared, showing that the MZI has higher sensitivity, the CI has a controllable optical bias, and the CPI has better temperature stability. More specifically, the improvement work of applying IOESs to intense E-field measurement is illustrated. Finally, typical uses of IOESs in the measurement of intense E-fields are demonstrated, including application areas such as E-fields with different frequency ranges in high-voltage engineering, simulated nuclear electromagnetic pulse in high-power electromagnetic pulses, and ion-accelerating field in high-energy physics. PMID:23112663

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-05

The Interferometer Protein Crystal Growth (IPCG) experiment was designed to measure details of how protein molecules move through a fluid. It was flown on the STS-86 mission for use aboard Russian Space Station Mir in 1998. It studied aspects of how crystals grow - and what conditions lead to the best crystals, details that remain a mystery. IPCG produces interference patterns by spilitting then recombining laser light. This let scientists see how fluid densities - and molecular diffusion - change around a crystal as it grows in microgravity. The heart of the IPCG apparatus is the interferometer cell comprising the optical bench, microscope, other optics, and video camera. IPCG experiment cells are made of optical glass and silvered on one side to serve as a mirror in the interferometer system that visuzlizes crystals and conditions around them as they grow inside the cell. This view shows interferograms produced in ground tests. The principal investigator was Dr. Alexander McPherson of University of California, Irvine. Co-investigators are William Witherow and Dr. Marc Pusey of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-05

The Interferometer Protein Crstal Growth (IPCG) experiment was designed to measure details of how protein molecules move through a fluid. It was flown on the STS-86 mission for use aboard Russin Space Station Mir in 1998. It studied aspects of how crystals grow - and what conditions lead to the best crystals, details that remain a mystery. IPCG produces interference patterns by splitting then recombining laser light. This let scientists see how fluid densities - and molecular diffusion - change around a crystal as it grows in microgravity. The heart of the IPCG apparatus is the interferometer cell comprising the optical bench, microscope, other optics, and video camera. IPCG experiment cells are made of optical glass and silvered on one side to serve as a mirror in the interferometer system that visualizes crystals and conditions around them as they grow inside the cell. This view shows the complete apparatus. The principal investigator was Dr. Alexander McPherson of the University of California, Irvin. Co-investigators are William Witherow and Dr. Marc Pusey of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-05

The Interferometer Protein Crystal Growth (IPCG) experiment was designed to measure details of how protein molecules move through a fluid. It was flown on the STS-86 mission for use aboard Russian Space Station Mir in 1998. It studied aspects of how crystals grow - and what conditions lead to the best crystals, details that remain a mystery. IPCG produces interference patterns by spilitting then recombining laser light. This let scientists see how fluid densities - and molecular diffusion - change around a crystal as it grows in microgravity. The heart of the IPCG apparatus is the interferometer cell comprising the optical bench, microscope, other optics, and video camera. IPCG experiment cells are made of optical glass and silvered on one side to serve as a mirror in the interferometer system that visuzlizes crystals and conditions around them as they grow inside the cell. This diagram shows the growth cells. The principal investigator was Dr. Alexander McPherson of University of California, Irvine. Co-investigators are William Witherow and Dr. Marc Pusey of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-05

The Interferometer Protein Crystal Growth (IPCG) experiment was designed to measure details of how protein molecules move through a fluid. It was flown on the STS-86 mission for use aboard Russian Space Station Mir in 1998. It studied aspects of how crystals grow - and what conditions lead to the best crystals, details that remain a mystery. IPCG produces interference patterns by spilitting then recombining laser light. This let scientists see how fluid densities - and molecular diffusion - change around a crystal as it grows in microgravity. The heart of the IPCG apparatus is the interferometer cell comprising the optical bench, microscope, other optics, and video camera. IPCG experiment cells are made of optical glass and silvered on one side to serve as a mirror in the interferometer system that visuzlizes crystals and conditions around them as they grow inside the cell. This view shows a large growth cell. The principal investigator was Dr. Alexander McPherson of University of California, Irvine. Co-investigators are William Witherow and Dr. Marc Pusey of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Quantum-projection-noise-limited interferometry with coherent atoms in a Ramsey-type setup

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doering, D.; McDonald, G.; Debs, J. E.

2010-04-15

Every measurement of the population in an uncorrelated ensemble of two-level systems is limited by what is known as the quantum projection noise limit. Here, we present quantum-projection-noise-limited performance of a Ramsey-type interferometer using freely propagating coherent atoms. The experimental setup is based on an electro-optic modulator in an inherently stable Sagnac interferometer, optically coupling the two interfering atomic states via a two-photon Raman transition. Going beyond the quantum projection noise limit requires the use of reduced quantum uncertainty (squeezed) states. The experiment described demonstrates atom interferometry at the fundamental noise level and allows the observation of possible squeezing effectsmore » in an atom laser, potentially leading to improved sensitivity in atom interferometers.« less

Theoferometer for High Accuracy Optical Alignment and Metrology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toland, Ronald; Leviton, Doug; Koterba, Seth

2004-01-01

The accurate measurement of the orientation of optical parts and systems is a pressing problem for upcoming space missions, such as stellar interferometers, requiring the knowledge and maintenance of positions to the sub-arcsecond level. Theodolites, the devices commonly used to make these measurements, cannot provide the needed level of accuracy. This paper describes the design, construction, and testing of an interferometer system to fill the widening gap between future requirements and current capabilities. A Twyman-Green interferometer mounted on a 2 degree of freedom rotation stage is able to obtain sub-arcsecond, gravity-referenced tilt measurements of a sample alignment cube. Dubbed a 'theoferometer,' this device offers greater ease-of-use, accuracy, and repeatability than conventional methods, making it a suitable 21st-century replacement for the theodolite.

Spectrally controlled interferometry for measurements of flat and spherical optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salsbury, Chase; Olszak, Artur G.

2017-10-01

Conventional interferometry is widely used to measure spherical and at surfaces with nanometer level precision but is plagued by back reflections. We describe a new method of isolating the measurement surface by controlling spectral properties of the source (Spectrally Controlled Interferometry - SCI). Using spectral modulation of the interferometer's source enables formation of localized fringes where the optical path difference is non-zero. As a consequence it becomes possible to form white-light like fringes in common path interferometers, such as the Fizeau. The proposed setup does not require mechanical phase shifting, resulting in simpler instruments and the ability to upgrade existing interferometers. Furthermore, it allows absolute measurement of distance, including radius of curvature of lenses in a single setup with possibility of improving the throughput and removing some modes of failure.

Dual-optical-response photonic crystal fibre interferometer for multi-parameter sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villatoro, Joel; Minkovich, Vladimir P.; Zubia, Joseba

2014-05-01

An all-fiber mode interferometer consisting of a short segment of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) fusion spliced to standard single mode optical fiber and pressed on localized regions is proposed for multi-parameter sensing. In our configuration, the physical parameter being sensed changes the fringe contrast (or visibility) of the interference pattern and also causes a shift to the same. To achieve this dual effect the device is pressed on localized regions over a few millimeters. In this manner we introduce losses and effective refractive index changes to the interference modes, hence visibility and shift to the interference pattern. Our interferometer is suitable for monitoring diverse physical parameters such as weight, force, pressure, load, etc. The advantage is that no temperature or power fluctuations compensation is required.

Quantitative evaluation of performance of three-dimensional printed lenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gawedzinski, John; Pawlowski, Michal E.; Tkaczyk, Tomasz S.

2017-08-01

We present an analysis of the shape, surface quality, and imaging capabilities of custom three-dimensional (3-D) printed lenses. 3-D printing technology enables lens prototypes to be fabricated without restrictions on surface geometry. Thus, spherical, aspherical, and rotationally nonsymmetric lenses can be manufactured in an integrated production process. This technique serves as a noteworthy alternative to multistage, labor-intensive, abrasive processes, such as grinding, polishing, and diamond turning. Here, we evaluate the quality of lenses fabricated by Luxexcel using patented Printoptical©; technology that is based on an inkjet printing technique by comparing them to lenses made with traditional glass processing technologies (grinding, polishing, etc.). The surface geometry and roughness of the lenses were evaluated using white-light and Fizeau interferometers. We have compared peak-to-valley wavefront deviation, root mean square (RMS) wavefront error, radii of curvature, and the arithmetic roughness average (Ra) profile of plastic and glass lenses. In addition, the imaging performance of selected pairs of lenses was tested using 1951 USAF resolution target. The results indicate performance of 3-D printed optics that could be manufactured with surface roughness comparable to that of injection molded lenses (Ra<20 nm). The RMS wavefront error of 3-D printed prototypes was at a minimum 18.8 times larger than equivalent glass prototypes for a lens with a 12.7 mm clear aperture, but, when measured within 63% of its clear aperture, the 3-D printed components' RMS wavefront error was comparable to glass lenses.

Quantitative evaluation of performance of 3D printed lenses

PubMed Central

Gawedzinski, John; Pawlowski, Michal E.; Tkaczyk, Tomasz S.

2017-01-01

We present an analysis of the shape, surface quality, and imaging capabilities of custom 3D printed lenses. 3D printing technology enables lens prototypes to be fabricated without restrictions on surface geometry. Thus, spherical, aspherical and rotationally non-symmetric lenses can be manufactured in an integrated production process. This technique serves as a noteworthy alternative to multistage, labor-intensive, abrasive processes such as grinding, polishing and diamond turning. Here, we evaluate the quality of lenses fabricated by Luxexcel using patented Printoptical© technology that is based on an inkjet printing technique by comparing them to lenses made with traditional glass processing technologies (grinding, polishing etc.). The surface geometry and roughness of the lenses were evaluated using white-light and Fizeau interferometers. We have compared peak-to-valley wavefront deviation, root-mean-squared wavefront error, radii of curvature and the arithmetic average of the roughness profile (Ra) of plastic and glass lenses. Additionally, the imaging performance of selected pairs of lenses was tested using 1951 USAF resolution target. The results indicate performance of 3D printed optics that could be manufactured with surface roughness comparable to that of injection molded lenses (Ra < 20 nm). The RMS wavefront error of 3D printed prototypes was at a minimum 18.8 times larger than equivalent glass prototypes for a lens with a 12.7 mm clear aperture, but when measured within 63% of its clear aperture, 3D printed components’ RMS wavefront error was comparable to glass lenses. PMID:29238114

Recent Status of SIM Lite Astrometric Observatory Mission: Flight Engineering Risk Reduction Activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goullioud, Renaud; Dekens, Frank; Nemati, Bijan; An, Xin; Carson, Johnathan

2010-01-01

The SIM Lite Astrometric Observatory is a mission concept for a space-borne instrument to perform micro-arc-second narrow-angle astrometry to search 60 to 100 nearby stars for Earth-like planets, and to perform global astrometry for a broad astrophysics program. The instrument consists of two Michelson stellar interferometers and a telescope. The first interferometer chops between the target star and a set of reference stars. The second interferometer monitors the attitude of the instrument in the direction of the target star. The telescope monitors the attitude of the instrument in the other two directions. The main enabling technology development for the mission was completed during phases A & B. The project is currently implementing the developed technology onto flight-ready engineering models. These key engineering tasks will significantly reduce the implementation risks during the flight phases C & D of the mission. The main optical interferometer components, including the astrometric beam combiner, the fine steering optical mechanism, the path-length-control and modulation optical mechanisms, focal-plane camera electronics and cooling heat pipe, are currently under development. Main assemblies are built to meet flight requirements and will be subjected to flight qualification level environmental testing (random vibration and thermal cycling) and performance testing. This paper summarizes recent progress in engineering risk reduction activities.

Surface profiling interferometer

DOEpatents

Takacs, Peter Z.; Qian, Shi-Nan

1989-01-01

The design of a long-trace surface profiler for the non-contact measurement of surface profile, slope error and curvature on cylindrical synchrotron radiation (SR) mirrors. The optical system is based upon the concept of a pencil-beam interferometer with an inherent large depth-of-field. The key feature of the optical system is the zero-path-difference beam splitter, which separates the laser beam into two colinear, variable-separation probe beams. A linear array detector is used to record the interference fringe in the image, and analysis of the fringe location as a function of scan position allows one to reconstruct the surface profile. The optical head is mounted on an air bearing slide with the capability to measure long aspheric optics, typical of those encountered in SR applications. A novel feature of the optical system is the use of a transverse "outrigger" beam which provides information on the relative alignment of the scan axis to the cylinder optic symmetry axis.

On-chip quasi-digital optical switch using silicon microring resonator-coupled Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

PubMed

Song, Junfeng; Luo, Xianshu; Tu, Xiaoguang; Jia, Lianxi; Fang, Qing; Liow, Tsung-Yang; Yu, Mingbin; Lo, Guo-Qiang

2013-05-20

In this work, we demonstrate thermo-optical quasi-digital optical switch (q-DOS) using silicon microring resonator-coupled Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The optical transmission spectra show box-like response with 1-dB and 3-dB bandwidths of ~1.3 nm and ~1.6 nm, respectively. Such broadband flat-top optical response improves the tolerance to the light source wavelength fluctuation of ± 6 Å and temperature variation of ± 6 °C. Dynamic characterizations show the device with switching power of ~37 mW, switching time of ~7 μs, and on/off ratio of > 30 dB. For performance comparison, we also demonstrate a carrier injection-based electro-optical q-DOS by integrating lateral P-i-N junction with the microring resonator, which significantly reduces power consumption to ~12 mW and switching time to ~0.7 ns only.

Laser frequency stabilization using a transfer interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, Shira; Sawaoka, Hiromitsu; Bhatt, Nishant; Potnis, Shreyas; Vutha, Amar C.

2018-03-01

We present a laser frequency stabilization system that uses a transfer interferometer to stabilize slave lasers to a reference laser. Our implementation uses off-the-shelf optical components along with microcontroller-based digital feedback, and offers a simple, flexible, and robust way to stabilize multiple laser frequencies to better than 1 MHz.

Measurement and Calibration of PSD with Phase-shifting Interferometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehan, J. P.

2008-01-01

We discuss the instrumental aspects affecting the measurement accuracy when determining PSD with phase shifting interferometers. These include the source coherence, optical train effects, and detector effects. The use of a carefully constructed calibration standard will also be discussed. We will end with a recommended measurement and data handling procedure.

High-resolution spectrometrometry/interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breckinridge, J. B.; Norton, R. H.; Schindler, R. A.

1980-01-01

Modified double-pass interferometer has several features that maximize its resolution. Proposed for rocket-borne probes of upper atmosphere, it includes cat's-eye retroreflectors in both arms, wedge-shaped beam splitter, and wedged optical-path compensator. Advantages are full tilt compensation, minimal spectrum "channeling," easy tunability, maximum fringe contrast, and even two-sided interferograms.

SPECTRAL AND MODE PROPERTIES OF SOLID-STATE LASERS AND OPTICAL DYNAMIC EFFECTS.

DTIC Science & Technology

LASERS , OPTICAL PROPERTIES), THERMAL PROPERTIES, FREQUENCY, RUBY, KERR CELLS, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES, PHASE LOCKED SYSTEMS, GARNET, NEODYMIUM, CAVITY RESONATORS, INTERFEROMETERS, LIGHT PULSES, PROPAGATION

Parallel Wavefront Analysis for a 4D Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, Shanti R.

2011-01-01

This software provides a programming interface for automating data collection with a PhaseCam interferometer from 4D Technology, and distributing the image-processing algorithm across a cluster of general-purpose computers. Multiple instances of 4Sight (4D Technology s proprietary software) run on a networked cluster of computers. Each connects to a single server (the controller) and waits for instructions. The controller directs the interferometer to several images, then assigns each image to a different computer for processing. When the image processing is finished, the server directs one of the computers to collate and combine the processed images, saving the resulting measurement in a file on a disk. The available software captures approximately 100 images and analyzes them immediately. This software separates the capture and analysis processes, so that analysis can be done at a different time and faster by running the algorithm in parallel across several processors. The PhaseCam family of interferometers can measure an optical system in milliseconds, but it takes many seconds to process the data so that it is usable. In characterizing an adaptive optics system, like the next generation of astronomical observatories, thousands of measurements are required, and the processing time quickly becomes excessive. A programming interface distributes data processing for a PhaseCam interferometer across a Windows computing cluster. A scriptable controller program coordinates data acquisition from the interferometer, storage on networked hard disks, and parallel processing. Idle time of the interferometer is minimized. This architecture is implemented in Python and JavaScript, and may be altered to fit a customer s needs.

Metrology Optical Power Budgeting in SIM Using Statistical Analysis Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuan, Gary M

2008-01-01

The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) is a space-based stellar interferometry instrument, consisting of up to three interferometers, which will be capable of micro-arc second resolution. Alignment knowledge of the three interferometer baselines requires a three-dimensional, 14-leg truss with each leg being monitored by an external metrology gauge. In addition, each of the three interferometers requires an internal metrology gauge to monitor the optical path length differences between the two sides. Both external and internal metrology gauges are interferometry based, operating at a wavelength of 1319 nanometers. Each gauge has fiber inputs delivering measurement and local oscillator (LO) power, split into probe-LO and reference-LO beam pairs. These beams experience power loss due to a variety of mechanisms including, but not restricted to, design efficiency, material attenuation, element misalignment, diffraction, and coupling efficiency. Since the attenuation due to these sources may degrade over time, an accounting of the range of expected attenuation is needed so an optical power margin can be book kept. A method of statistical optical power analysis and budgeting, based on a technique developed for deep space RF telecommunications, is described in this paper and provides a numerical confidence level for having sufficient optical power relative to mission metrology performance requirements.

A new fiber-optic non-contact compact laser-ultrasound scanner for fast non-destructive testing and evaluation of aircraft composites

PubMed Central

Pelivanov, Ivan; Buma, Takashi; Xia, Jinjun; Wei, Chen-Wei; O'Donnell, Matthew

2014-01-01

Laser ultrasonic (LU) inspection represents an attractive, non-contact method to evaluate composite materials. Current non-contact systems, however, have relatively low sensitivity compared to contact piezoelectric detection. They are also difficult to adjust, very expensive, and strongly influenced by environmental noise. Here, we demonstrate that most of these drawbacks can be eliminated by combining a new generation of compact, inexpensive fiber lasers with new developments in fiber telecommunication optics and an optimally designed balanced probe scheme. In particular, a new type of a balanced fiber-optic Sagnac interferometer is presented as part of an all-optical LU pump-probe system for non-destructive testing and evaluation of aircraft composites. The performance of the LU system is demonstrated on a composite sample with known defects. Wide-band ultrasound probe signals are generated directly at the sample surface with a pulsed fiber laser delivering nanosecond laser pulses at a repetition rate up to 76 kHz rate with a pulse energy of 0.6 mJ. A balanced fiber-optic Sagnac interferometer is employed to detect pressure signals at the same point on the composite surface. A- and B-scans obtained with the Sagnac interferometer are compared to those made with a contact wide-band polyvinylidene fluoride transducer. PMID:24737921

Sub-0.1 μm optical track width measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Richard J.; See, Chung W.; Somekh, Mike G.; Yacoot, Andrew

2005-08-01

In this paper, we will describe a technique that combines a common path scanning optical interferometer with artificial neural networks (ANN), to perform track width measurements that are significantly beyond the capability of conventional optical systems. Artificial neural networks have been used for many different applications. In the present case, ANNs are trained using profiles of known samples obtained from the scanning interferometer. They are then applied to tracks that have not previously been exposed to the networks. This paper will discuss the impacts of various ANN configurations, and the processing of the input signal on the training of the network. The profiles of the samples, which are used as the inputs to the ANNs, are obtained with a common path scanning optical interferometer. It provides extremely repeatable measurements, with very high signal to noise ratio, both are essential for the working of the ANNs. The characteristics of the system will be described. A number of samples with line widths ranging from 60nm-3μm have been measured to test the system. The system can measure line widths down to 60nm with a standard deviation of 3nm using optical wavelength of 633nm and a system numerical aperture of 0.3. These results will be presented in detail along with a discussion of the potential of this technique.

Phase conjugate Twyman-Green interferometer for testing spherical surfaces and lenses and for measuring refractive indices of liquids or solid transparent materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shukla, R. P.; Dokhanian, Mostafa; Venkateswarlu, Putcha; George, M. C.

1990-01-01

The present paper describes an application of a phase conjugate Twyman-Green interferometer using barium titanate as a self-pumping mirror for testing optical components like concave and convex spherical mirrors and lenses. The aberrations introduced by the beam splitter while testing concave or convex spherical mirrors of large aperture are automatically eliminated due to self-focussing property of the phase conjugate mirror. There is no necessity for a good spherical surface as a reference surface unlike in classical Twyman-Green interferometer or Williams interferometer. The phase conjugate Twyman Green interferometer with a divergent illumination can be used as a test plate for checking spherical surfaces. A nondestructive technique for measuring the refractive indices of a Fabry Perot etalon by using a phase conjugate interferometer is also suggested. The interferometer is found to be useful for measuring the refractive indices of liquids and solid transparent materials with an accuracy of the order of + or - 0.0004.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Biedermann, G. W.; McGuinness, H. J.; Rakholia, A. V.

Here, we demonstrate matter-wave interference in a warm vapor of rubidium atoms. Established approaches to light-pulse atom interferometry rely on laser cooling to concentrate a large ensemble of atoms into a velocity class resonant with the atom optical light pulse. In our experiment, we show that clear interference signals may be obtained without laser cooling. This effect relies on the Doppler selectivity of the atom interferometer resonance. Lastly, this interferometer may be configured to measure accelerations, and we demonstrate that multiple interferometers may be operated simultaneously by addressing multiple velocity classes.

Dual differential interferometer for measurements of broadband surface acoustic waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, T. M.; Claus, R. O.

1981-01-01

A simple duel interferometer which uses two pairs of orthogonally polarized optical beams to measure both the amplitude and direction of propagation of broadband ultrasonic surface waves is described. Each pair of focused laser probe beams is used in a separate wideband differential interferometer to independently detect the component of surface wave motion along one direction on the surface. By combining the two output signals corresponding to both components, the two dimensional surface profile and its variation as a function of time is determined.

Vibration sensing using a tapered bend-insensitive fiber based Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

PubMed

Xu, Yanping; Lu, Ping; Qin, Zengguang; Harris, Jeremie; Baset, Farhana; Lu, Ping; Bhardwaj, Vedula Ravi; Bao, Xiaoyi

2013-02-11

In this study, a novel fiber-optic sensor consisting of a tapered bend-insensitive fiber based Mach-Zehnder interferometer is presented to realize damped and continuous vibration measurement. The double cladding structure and the central coating region of the in-fiber interferometer ensure an enhanced mechanical strength, reduced external disturbance, and a more uniform spectrum. A damped vibration frequency range of 29-60 Hz as well as continuous vibration disturbances ranging from 1 Hz up to 500 kHz are successfully demonstrated.

AMI: Augmented Michelson Interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furió, David; Hachet, Martin; Guillet, Jean-Paul; Bousquet, Bruno; Fleck, Stéphanie; Reuter, Patrick; Canioni, Lionel

2015-10-01

Experiments in optics are essential for learning and understanding physical phenomena. The problem with these experiments is that they are generally time consuming for both their construction and their maintenance, potentially dangerous through the use of laser sources, and often expensive due to high technology optical components. We propose to simulate such experiments by way of hybrid systems that exploit both spatial augmented reality and tangible interaction. In particular, we focus on one of the most popular optical experiments: the Michelson interferometer. In our approach, we target a highly interactive system where students are able to interact in real time with the Augmented Michelson Interferometer (AMI) to observe, test hypotheses and then to enhance their comprehension. Compared to a fully digital simulation, we are investigating an approach that benefits from both physical and virtual elements, and where the students experiment by manipulating 3D-printed physical replicas of optical components (e.g. lenses and mirrors). Our objective is twofold. First, we want to ensure that the students will learn with our simulator the same concepts and skills that they learn with traditional methods. Second, we hypothesis that such a system opens new opportunities to teach optics in a way that was not possible before, by manipulating concepts beyond the limits of observable physical phenomena. To reach this goal, we have built a complementary team composed of experts in the field of optics, human-computer interaction, computer graphics, sensors and actuators, and education science.

Michelson-type Radio Interferometer for University Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koda, Jin; Barrett, J. W.; Hasegawa, T.; Hayashi, M.; Shafto, G.; Slechta, J.

2013-01-01

Despite the increasing importance of interferometry in astronomy, the lack of educational interferometers is an obstacle to training the futue generation of astronomers. Students need hands-on experiments to fully understand the basic concepts of interferometry. Professional interferometers are often too complicated for education, and it is difficult to guarantee access for classes in a university course. We have built a simple and affordable radio interferometer for education and used it for an undergraduate and graduate laboratory project. This interferometer's design is based on the Michelson & Peace's stellar optical interferometer, but operates at a radio wavelength using a commercial broadcast satellite dish and receiver. Two side mirrors are surfaced with kitchen aluminum foil and slide on a ladder, providing baseline coverage. This interferometer can resolve and measure the diameter of the Sun, a nice daytime experiment which can be carried out even under a marginal weather (i.e., partial cloud coverage). Commercial broadcast satellites provide convenient point sources. By comparing the Sun and satellites, students can learn how an interferometer works and resolves structures in the sky.

Performance characterization of a pressure-tuned wide-angle Michelson interferometric spectral filter for high spectral resolution lidar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seaman, Shane T.; Cook, Anthony L.; Scola, Salvatore J.; Hostetler, Chris A.; Miller, Ian; Welch, Wayne

2015-09-01

High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) is typically realized using an absorption filter to separate molecular returns from particulate returns. NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has designed and built a Pressure-Tuned Wide-Angle Michelson Interferometer (PTWAMI) as an alternate means to separate the two types of atmospheric returns. While absorption filters only work at certain wavelengths and suffer from low photon efficiency due to light absorption, an interferometric spectral filter can be designed for any wavelength and transmits nearly all incident photons. The interferometers developed at LaRC employ an air spacer in one arm, and a solid glass spacer in the other. Field widening is achieved by specific design and selection of the lengths and refractive indices of these two arms. The principal challenge in using such an interferometer as a spectral filter for HSRL aboard aircraft is that variations in glass temperature and air pressure cause changes in the interferometer's optical path difference. Therefore, a tuning mechanism is needed to actively accommodate for these changes. The pressure-tuning mechanism employed here relies on changing the pressure in an enclosed, air-filled arm of the interferometer to change the arm's optical path length. However, tuning using pressure will not adjust for tilt, mirror warpage, or thermally induced wavefront error, so the structural, thermal, and optical behavior of the device must be well understood and optimized in the design and manufacturing process. The PTWAMI has been characterized for particulate transmission ratio, wavefront error, and tilt, and shows acceptable performance for use in an HSRL instrument.

[Research on lateral shearing interferometer for field monitoring of natural gas pipeline leak].

PubMed

Zhang, Xue-Feng; Gao, Yu-Bin

2012-09-01

Aimed at the mechanical scanning spectroscopy equipment with poor anti-interference and anti-jamming ability, which affects the accuracy of its natural gas pipeline leak detection in the wild, a new type of lateral shearing interferometer system was designed. The system uses a beam splitter to get optical path difference by a mechanical scanning part, and it cancel the introduction of external vibration interference through the linkage between the two beam splitterw. The interference intensity of interference fringes produced was calculated, and analysis of a rotating beam splitter corresponds to the angle of the optical path difference function, solving for the maximum angle of the forward rotation and reverse rotation, which is the maximum optical path range. Experiments using the gas tank deflated simulated natural gas pipeline leak process, in the interference conditions, and the test data of the type WQF530 spectrometer and the new type of lateral shearing interferometer system were comparedt. The experimental results show that the relative error of both systems is about 1% in indoor conditions without interference. However, in interference environment, the error of WQF530 type spectrometer becomes larger, more than 10%, but the error of the new type of lateral shearing interferometer system is still below 5%. The detection accuracy of the type WQF530 spectrometer decreased significantly due to the environment. Therefore, the seismic design of the system can effectively offset power deviation and half-width increases of center wavelength caused by external interference, and compared to conventional mechanical scanning interferometer devices the new system is more suitable for field detection.

Performance analysis of a full-field and full-range swept-source OCT system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauter, J.; Boettcher, T.; Körner, K.; Gronle, M.; Osten, W.; Passilly, N.; Froehly, L.; Perrin, S.; Gorecki, C.

2015-09-01

In recent years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) became gained importance in medical disciplines like ophthalmology, due to its noninvasive optical imaging technique with micrometer resolution and short measurement time. It enables e. g. the measurement and visualization of the depth structure of the retina. In other medical disciplines like dermatology, histopathological analysis is still the gold standard for skin cancer diagnosis. The EU-funded project VIAMOS (Vertically Integrated Array-type Mirau-based OCT System) proposes a new type of OCT system combined with micro-technologies to provide a hand-held, low-cost and miniaturized OCT system. The concept is a combination of full-field and full-range swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) detection in a multi-channel sensor based on a micro-optical Mirau-interferometer array, which is fabricated by means of wafer fabrication. This paper presents the study of an experimental proof-of-concept OCT system as a one-channel sensor with bulk optics. This sensor is a Linnik-interferometer type with similar optical parameters as the Mirau-interferometer array. A commercial wavelength tunable light source with a center wavelength at 845nm and 50nm spectral bandwidth is used with a camera for parallel OCT A-Scan detection. In addition, the reference microscope objective lens of the Linnik-interferometer is mounted on a piezo-actuated phase-shifter. Phase-shifting interferometry (PSI) techniques are applied for resolving the conjugate complex artifact and consequently contribute to an increase of image quality and depth range. A suppression ratio of the complex conjugate term of 36 dB is shown and a system sensitivity greater than 96 dB could be measured.

Fundamental performance determining factors of the ultrahigh-precision space-borne optical metrology system for the LISA Pathfinder mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hechenblaikner, Gerald; Flatscher, Reinhold

2013-05-01

The LISA Pathfinder mission to space employs an optical metrology system (OMS) at its core to measure the distance and attitude between two freely floating test-masses to picometer and nanorad accuracy, respectively, within the measurement band of [1 mHz, 30 mHz]. The OMS is based upon an ultra-stable optical bench with 4 heterodyne interferometers from which interference signals are read-out and processed by a digital phase-meter. Laser frequency noise, power fluctuations and optical path-length variations are suppressed to uncritical levels by dedicated control loops so that the measurement performance approaches the sensor limit imposed by the phasemeter. The system design is such that low frequency common mode noise which affects the read-out phase of all four interferometers is generally well suppressed by subtraction of a reference phase from the other interferometer signals. However, high frequency noise directly affects measurement performance and its common mode rejection depends strongly on the relative signal phases. We discuss how the data from recent test campaigns point towards high frequency phase noise as a likely performance limiting factor which explains some important performance features.

All-Optical Fiber Hanbury Brown & Twiss Interferometer to study 1300 nm single photon emission of a metamorphic InAs Quantum Dot

PubMed Central

Muñoz-Matutano, G.; Barrera, D.; Fernández-Pousa, C.R.; Chulia-Jordan, R.; Seravalli, L.; Trevisi, G.; Frigeri, P.; Sales, S.; Martínez-Pastor, J.

2016-01-01

New optical fiber based spectroscopic tools open the possibility to develop more robust and efficient characterization experiments. Spectral filtering and light reflection have been used to produce compact and versatile fiber based optical cavities and sensors. Moreover, these technologies would be also suitable to study N-photon correlations, where high collection efficiency and frequency tunability is desirable. We demonstrated single photon emission of a single quantum dot emitting at 1300 nm, using a Fiber Bragg Grating for wavelength filtering and InGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes operated in Geiger mode for single photon detection. As we do not observe any significant fine structure splitting for the neutral exciton transition within our spectral resolution (46 μeV), metamorphic QD single photon emission studied with our all-fiber Hanbury Brown & Twiss interferometer could lead to a more efficient analysis of entangled photon sources at telecom wavelength. This all-optical fiber scheme opens the door to new first and second order interferometers to study photon indistinguishability, entangled photon and photon cross correlation in the more interesting telecom wavelengths. PMID:27257122

Effects of stray lights on Faraday rotation measurement for polarimeter-interferometer system on EAST.

PubMed

Zou, Z Y; Liu, H Q; Ding, W X; Chen, J; Brower, D L; Lian, H; Wang, S X; Li, W M; Yao, Y; Zeng, L; Jie, Y X

2018-01-01

A double-pass radially view 11 chords polarimeter-interferometer system has been operated on the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak and provides important current profile information for plasma control. Stray light originating from spurious reflections along the optical path (unwanted reflections from various optical components/mounts and transmissive optical elements such as windows, waveplates, and lens as well as the detectors) and also direct feedback from the retro-reflector used to realize the double-pass configuration can both contribute to contamination of the Faraday rotation measurement accuracy. Modulation of the Faraday rotation signal due to the interference from multiple reflections is observable when the interferometer phase (plasma density) varies with time. Direct reflection from the detector itself can be suppressed by employing an optical isolator consisting of a λ/4-waveplate and polarizer positioned in front of the mixer. A Faraday angle oscillation during the density ramping up (or down) can be reduced from 5°-10° to 1°-2° by eliminating reflections from the detector. Residual modulation arising from misalignment and stray light from other sources must be minimized to achieve accurate measurements of Faraday rotation.

Real Time Metrology Using Heterodyne Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Joseph T..., Jr.

1983-11-01

The Air Force Weapons Laboratory (AFWL) located at Albuquerque, NM has developed a digital heterodyne interferometer capable of real-time, closed loop analysis and control of adaptive optics. The device uses independent phase modulation of two orthogonal polarizations of an argon ion laser to produce a temporally phase modulated interferogram of the test object in a Twyman-Green interferometer. Differential phase detection under the control of a Data General minicomputer helps reconstruct the phase front without noise effects from amplitude modulation in the optical train. The system consists of the interferometer optics, phase detection circuitry, and the minicomputer, allowing for complete software control of the process. The software has been unified into a powerful package that performs automatic data acquisition, OPD reconstruction, and Zernike analysis of the resulting wavefront. The minicomputer has the capability to control external devices so that closed loop analysis and control is possible. New software under development will provide a framework of data acquisition, display, and storage packages which can be integrated with analysis and control packages customized to the user's needs. Preliminary measurements with the system show that it is noise limited by laser beam phase quality and vibration of the optics. Active measures are necessary to reduce the impact of these noise sources.

Interferometric fiber-optic temperature sensor with spiral polarization couplers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cortés, R.; Khomenko, A. V.; Starodumov, A. N.; Arzate, N.; Zenteno, L. A.

1998-09-01

A fiber optic temperature sensor, for which the changes in modal birefringence of a short section of a long birefringent fiber are monitored remotely, is described. It employs a white light interferometer, which is formed by two concatenated spiral polarization mode couplers. A new method for white light interferometer output signal processing is described which provides a high accuracy absolute temperature measurement even in discontinuous operation of the sensor. Experimental results are presented for temperature measurements over a 100°C range with resolution of 3×10 -3 °C.

Multichannel spectral mode of the ALOHA up-conversion interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehmann, L.; Darré, P.; Boulogne, H.; Delage, L.; Grossard, L.; Reynaud, F.

2018-06-01

In this paper, we propose a multichannel spectral configuration of the Astronomical Light Optical Hybrid Analysis (ALOHA) instrument dedicated to high-resolution imaging. A frequency conversion process is implemented in each arm of an interferometer to transfer the astronomical light to a shorter wavelength domain. Exploiting the spectral selectivity of this non-linear optical process, we propose to use a set of independent pump lasers in order to simultaneously study multiple spectral channels. This principle is experimentally demonstrated with a dual-channel configuration as a proof-of-principle.

Wollaston prism phase-stepping point diffraction interferometer and method

DOEpatents

Rushford, Michael C.

2004-10-12

A Wollaston prism phase-stepping point diffraction interferometer for testing a test optic. The Wollaston prism shears light into reference and signal beams, and provides phase stepping at increased accuracy by translating the Wollaston prism in a lateral direction with respect to the optical path. The reference beam produced by the Wollaston prism is directed through a pinhole of a diaphragm to produce a perfect spherical reference wave. The spherical reference wave is recombined with the signal beam to produce an interference fringe pattern of greater accuracy.

Optically phase-locked electronic speckle pattern interferometer system performance for vibration measurement in random displacement fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moran, Steve E.; Lugannani, Robert; Craig, Peter N.; Law, Robert L.

1989-02-01

An analysis is made of the performance of an optically phase-locked electronic speckle pattern interferometer in the presence of random noise displacements. Expressions for the phase-locked speckle contrast for single-frame imagery and the composite rms exposure for two sequentially subtracted frames are obtained in terms of the phase-locked composite and single-frame fringe functions. The noise fringe functions are evaluated for stationary, coherence-separable noise displacements obeying Gauss-Markov temporal statistics. The theoretical findings presented here are qualitatively supported by experimental results.

The Palomar Testbed Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colavita, M. M.; Wallace, J. K.; Hines, B. E.; Gursel, Y.; Malbet, F.; Palmer, D. L.; Pan, X. P.; Shao, M.; Yu, J. W.; Boden, A. F.

1999-01-01

The Palomar Testbed Interferometer (PTI) is a long-baseline infrared interferometer located at Palomar Observatory, California. It was built as a testbed for interferometric techniques applicable to the Keck Interferometer. First fringes were obtained in 1995 July. PTI implements a dual-star architecture, tracking two stars simultaneously for phase referencing and narrow-angle astrometry. The three fixed 40 cm apertures can be combined pairwise to provide baselines to 110 m. The interferometer actively tracks the white-light fringe using an array detector at 2.2 microns and active delay lines with a range of +/-38 m. Laser metrology of the delay lines allows for servo control, and laser metrology of the complete optical path enables narrow-angle astrometric measurements. The instrument is highly automated, using a multiprocessing computer system for instrument control and sequencing.

How nonlinear optics can merge interferometry for high resolution imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceus, D.; Reynaud, F.; Tonello, A.; Delage, L.; Grossard, L.

2017-11-01

High resolution stellar interferometers are very powerful efficient instruments to get a better knowledge of our Universe through the spatial coherence analysis of the light. For this purpose, the optical fields collected by each telescope Ti are mixed together. From the interferometric pattern, two expected information called the contrast Cij and the phase information φij are extracted. These information lead to the Vij, called the complex visibility, with Vij=Cijexp(jφij). For each telescope doublet TiTj, it is possible to get a complex visibility Vij. The Zernike Van Cittert theorem gives a relationship between the intensity distribution of the object observed and the complex visibility. The combination of the acquired complex visibilities and a reconstruction algorithm allows imaging reconstruction. To avoid lots of technical difficulties related to infrared optics (components transmission, thermal noises, thermal cooling…), our team proposes to explore the possibility of using nonlinear optical techniques. This is a promising alternative detection technique for detecting infrared optical signals. This way, we experimentally demonstrate that frequency conversion does not result in additional bias on the interferometric data supplied by a stellar interferometer. In this presentation, we report on wavelength conversion of the light collected by each telescope from the infrared domain to the visible. The interferometric pattern is observed in the visible domain with our, so called, upconversion interferometer. Thereby, one can benefit from mature optical components mainly used in optical telecommunications (waveguide, coupler, multiplexer…) and efficient low-noise detection schemes up to the single-photon counting level.

NAOMI: a low-order adaptive optics system for the VLT interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonté, Frédéric Yves J.; Alonso, Jaime; Aller-Carpentier, Emmanuel; Andolfato, Luigi; Berger, Jean-Philippe; Cortes, Angela; Delplancke-Strobele, Françoise; Donaldson, Rob; Dorn, Reinhold J.; Dupuy, Christophe; Egner, Sebastian E.; Huber, Stefan; Hubin, Norbert; Kirchbauer, Jean-Paul; Le Louarn, Miska; Lilley, Paul; Jolley, Paul; Martis, Alessandro; Paufique, Jérôme; Pasquini, Luca; Quentin, Jutta; Ridings, Robert; Reyes, Javier; Shchkaturov, Pavel; Suarez, Marcos; Phan Duc, Thanh; Valdes, Guillermo; Woillez, Julien; Le Bouquin, Jean-Baptiste; Beuzit, Jean-Luc; Rochat, Sylvain; Vérinaud, Christophe; Moulin, Thibaut; Delboulbé, Alain; Michaud, Laurence; Correia, Jean-Jacques; Roux, Alain; Maurel, Didier; Stadler, Eric; Magnard, Yves

2016-08-01

The New Adaptive Optics Module for Interferometry (NAOMI) will be developed for and installed at the 1.8-metre Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) at ESO Paranal. The goal of the project is to equip all four ATs with a low-order Shack- Hartmann adaptive optics system operating in the visible. By improving the wavefront quality delivered by the ATs for guide stars brighter than R = 13 mag, NAOMI will make the existing interferometer performance less dependent on the seeing conditions. Fed with higher and more stable Strehl, the fringe tracker(s) will achieve the fringe stability necessary to reach the full performance of the second-generation instruments GRAVITY and MATISSE.

Fiber optic sensor based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer for securing entrance areas of buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedoma, Jan; Fajkus, Marcel; Martinek, Radek; Mec, Pavel; Novak, Martin; Bednarek, Lukas; Vasinek, Vladimir

2017-10-01

Authors of this article focused on the utilization of fiber optic sensors based on interferometric measurements for securing entrance areas of buildings such as windows and doors. We described the implementation of the fiber-optic interferometer (type Mach-Zehnder) into the window frame or door, sensor sensitivity, analysis of the background noise and methods of signal evaluation. The advantage of presented solution is the use of standard telecommunication fiber standard G.652.D, high sensitivity, immunity of sensor to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and passivity of the sensor regarding power supply. Authors implemented the Graphical User Interface (GUI) which offers the possibility of remote monitoring presented sensing solution.

Fiber optic smart structures and skins V; Proceedings of the Meeting, Boston, MA, Sept. 8, 9, 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Claus, Richard O. (Editor); Rogowski, Robert S. (Editor)

1993-01-01

The present conference discusses the materials used in applications of fiber-optics (F-O) to smart structures, extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric F-O sensors, sapphire F-O sensors, two-mode F-O sensors with photoinduced refractive index, an F-O accelerometer using two-mode fibers, and embedded F-O acoustic sensors for flaw detection. Also discussed are an optoelectronic smart structure interface, F-O sensors for simultaneous detection of strain and temperature, an optical Mach-Zehnder interferometer for smart skins, a split-cavity cross-coupled extrinsic fiber interferometer, and an embedded Bragg grating F-O sensor for composite flexbeams, an Er-doped ring-laser strain sensor.

Beam shuttering interferometer and method

DOEpatents

Deason, V.A.; Lassahn, G.D.

1993-07-27

A method and apparatus resulting in the simplification of phase shifting interferometry by eliminating the requirement to know the phase shift between interferograms or to keep the phase shift between interferograms constant. The present invention provides a simple, inexpensive means to shutter each independent beam of the interferometer in order to facilitate the data acquisition requirements for optical interferometry and phase shifting interferometry. By eliminating the requirement to know the phase shift between interferograms or to keep the phase shift constant, a simple, economical means and apparatus for performing the technique of phase shifting interferometry is provide which, by thermally expanding a fiber optical cable changes the optical path distance of one incident beam relative to another.

Beam shuttering interferometer and method

DOEpatents

Deason, Vance A.; Lassahn, Gordon D.

1993-01-01

A method and apparatus resulting in the simplification of phase shifting interferometry by eliminating the requirement to know the phase shift between interferograms or to keep the phase shift between interferograms constant. The present invention provides a simple, inexpensive means to shutter each independent beam of the interferometer in order to facilitate the data acquisition requirements for optical interferometry and phase shifting interferometry. By eliminating the requirement to know the phase shift between interferograms or to keep the phase shift constant, a simple, economical means and apparatus for performing the technique of phase shifting interferometry is provide which, by thermally expanding a fiber optical cable changes the optical path distance of one incident beam relative to another.

Tribute to Jean-Marie Mariotti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lena, Pierre J.

2003-02-01

Jean-Marie Mariotti (1955 - 1998) prematurely passed away after too short a career of optician and astronomer. With his students, his contributions to the nascent field of high angular resolution at optical wavelengths, and especially to interferometry, both on the ground and in space, have been remarkable. Pioneering the use of single-mode optical fibers and integrated optics, he pushed the accuracy of visibility (amplitude) measurements to a fraction of a percent. His vision of a Mauna Kea kilometric interferometer using the existing giant telescopes is now becoming a reality with the 'OHANA project. His role in the emergence of the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) and in the birth of the space mission DARWIN for exoplanets studies has been essential.

Optical Fiber Sensors for Infrasonic Wind Noise Reduction and Earth Strain Measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeWolf, Scott

Fiber-based interferometers provide the means to sense very small displacements over long baselines, and have the advantage of being nearly completely passive in their operation, making them particularly well suited for geophysical applications. This work presents the development and results from four new systems: one in atmospheric acoustics and three in Earth strain. Turbulent pressure fluctuations (wind noise) are a significant limiting factor in low-frequency atmospheric acoustic measurements. The Optical Fiber Infrasound Sensor (OFIS) provides an alternative to traditional infrasonic wind noise reduction (WNR) techniques by providing an instantaneous average over a large spatial extent. This study shows that linear OFISs ranging in length from 30 to 270 m provide a WNR of up to 30 dB in winds up to 5 m/s, in good agreement with a new analytical model. Arrays of optical fiber strainmeters were deployed to measure sediment compaction at two sites in Bangladesh. One array at Jamalganj (in the north) consists of 20, 40, 60, and 100 m long strainmeters, while the second near Khulna (in the south) also includes lengths of 80 and 300 m. Two years of weekly measurements show a clear seasonal signal and subsidence at both sites that is in reasonable agreement with collocated GPS receivers. A new 250-meter, interferometric vertical borehole strainmeter has been developed based completely on passive optical components. Details of the prototyping, design, and deployment at the Pinon Flat Observatory (PFO) are presented. Power spectra show an intertidal noise level of -130 dB (re. 1 epsilon/Hz), consistent within 1-3 dB between redundant components. Examination of its response to Earth tides and earthquakes relative to the areal strain recorded by an orthogonal pair of collocated, 730 m horizontal laser strainmeters yield a Poisson's ratio of 0.26. Two prototype horizontal strainmeters were also developed to explore the use of similar interferometric optical fiber technology for near-surface, long baseline strain measurement. Both instruments are shown to faithfully record earthquakes and yield very good estimates of the M2 tidal constituent, despite unexplained 2-8% amplitude discrepancies between the 90 and 180 m long instruments relative to the collocated laser strainmeter and each other.

The Micro Fourier Transform Interferometer (muFTIR) - A New Field Spectrometer for Acquisition of Infrared Data of Natural Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hook, Simon J.

1995-01-01

A lightweight, rugged, high-spectral-resolution interferometer has been built by Designs and Prototypes based on a set of specifications provided by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Dr. J. W. Salisbury (Johns Hopkins University). The instrument, the micro Fourier Transform Interferometer (mFTIR), permits the acquisition of infrared spectra of natural surfaces. Such data can be used to validate low and high spectral resolution data acquired remotely from aircraft and spacecraft in the 3-5 mm and 8-14 mm atmospheric window. The instrument has a spectral resolutions of 6 wavenumbers, weighs 16 kg including batteries and computer, and can be operated easily by two people in the field. Laboratory analysis indicates the instrument is spectrally calibrated to better than 1 wavenumber and the radiometric accuracy is <0.5 K if the radiances from the blackbodies used for calibration bracket the radiance from the sample.

Development and construction of a comprehensive set of research diagnostics for the FLARE user facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, Jongsoo; Jara-Almonte, J.; Majeski, S.; Frank, S.; Ji, H.; Yamada, M.

2016-10-01

FLARE (Facility for Laboratory Reconnection Experiments) will be operated as a flexible user facility, and so a complete set of research diagnostics is under development, including magnetic probe arrays, Langmuir probes, Mach probes, spectroscopic probes, and a laser interferometer. In order to accommodate the various requirements of users, large-scale (1 m), variable resolution (0.5-4 cm) magnetic probes have been designed, and are currently being prototyped. Moreover, a fully fiber-coupled laser interferometer has been designed to measure the line-integrated electron density. This fiber-coupled interferometer system will reduce the complexity of alignment processes and minimize maintenance of the system. Finally, improvements to the electrostatic probes and spectroscopic probes currently used in the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX) are discussed. The specifications of other subsystems, such as integrators and digitizers, are also presented. This work is supported by DoE Contract No. DE-AC0209CH11466.

Search for Transient Gravitational Waves in Coincidence with Short-Duration Radio Transients During 2007-2013

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbott, B. P.; Hughey, Brennan; Zanolin, Michele; Szczepanczyk, Marek; Gill, Kiranjyot; Abbott, R.; Abbott, T. D.; Abernathy, M. R.; Acernese, F.; Ackley, K.;

Cepheids Geometrical Distances Using Space Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marengo, M.; Karovska, M.; Sasselov, D. D.; Sanchez, M.

2004-05-01

A space based interferometer with a sub-milliarcsecond resolution in the UV-optical will provide a new avenue for the calibration of primary distance indicators with unprecedented accuracy, by allowing very accurate and stable measurements of Cepheids pulsation amplitudes at wavelengths not accessible from the ground. Sasselov & Karovska (1994) have shown that interferometers allow very accurate measurements of Cepheids distances by using a ``geometric'' variant of the Baade-Wesselink method. This method has been succesfully applied to derive distances and radii of nearby Cepheids using ground-based near-IR and optical interferometers, within a 15% accuracy level. Our study shows that the main source of error in these measurements is due to the perturbing effects of the Earth atmosphere, which is the limiting factor in the interferometer stability. A space interferometer will not suffer from this intrinsic limitations, and can potentially lead to improve astronomical distance measurements by an order of magnitude in precision. We discuss here the technical requirements that a space based facility will need to carry out this project, allowing distance measurements within a few percent accuracy level. We will finally discuss how a sub-milliarcsecond resolution will allow the direct distance determination for hundreds of galactic sources, and provide a substantial improvement in the zero-point of the Cepheid distance scale.

Refractive index and absorption detector for liquid chromatography based on Fabry-Perot interferometry

DOEpatents

Yeung, E.S.; Woodruff, S.D.

1984-06-19

A refractive index and absorption detector are disclosed for liquid chromatography. It is based in part on a Fabry-Perot interferometer and is used for the improved detection of refractive index and absorption. It includes a Fabry-Perot interferometer having a normally fixed first partially reflecting mirror and a movable second partially reflecting mirror. A chromatographic flow-cell is positioned between the mirrors along the optical axis of a monochromatic laser beam passing through the interferometer. A means for deriving information about the interference fringes coming out of the interferometer is used with a mini-computer to compute the refractive index of the specimen injected into the flow cell. The minicomputer continuously scans the interferometer for continuous refractive index readings and outputs the continuous results of the scans on a chart recorder. The absorption of the specimen can concurrently be scanned by including a second optical path for an excitation laser which will not interfere with the first laser, but will affect the specimen so that absorption properties can be detected. By first scanning for the refractive index of the specimen, and then immediately adding the excitation laser and subsequently scanning for the refractive index again, the absorption of the specimen can be computed and recorded. 10 figs.

Refractive index and absorption detector for liquid chromatography based on Fabry-Perot interferometry

DOEpatents

Yeung, Edward S.; Woodruff, Steven D.

1984-06-19

A refractive index and absorption detector for liquid chromatography. It is based in part on a Fabry-Perot interferometer and is used for the improved detection of refractive index and absorption. It includes a Fabry-Perot interferometer having a normally fixed first partially reflecting mirror and a movable second partially reflecting mirror. A chromatographic flow-cell is positioned between the mirrors along the optical axis of a monochromatic laser beam passing through the interferometer. A means for deriving information about the interference fringes coming out of the interferometer is used with a mini-computer to compute the refractive index of the specimen injected into the flow cell. The minicomputer continuously scans the interferometer for continuous refractive index readings and outputs the continuous results of the scans on a chart recorder. The absorption of the specimen can concurrently be scanned by including a second optical path for an excitation laser which will not interfere with the first laser, but will affect the specimen so that absorption properties can be detected. By first scanning for the refractive index of the specimen, and then immediately adding the excitation laser and subsequently scanning for the refractive index again, the absorption of the specimen can be computed and recorded.

Obtaining tight bounds on higher-order interferences with a 5-path interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kauten, Thomas; Keil, Robert; Kaufmann, Thomas; Pressl, Benedikt; Brukner, Časlav; Weihs, Gregor

2017-03-01

Within the established theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, interference always occurs between pairs of paths through an interferometer. Higher order interferences with multiple constituents are excluded by Born’s rule and can only exist in generalized probabilistic theories. Thus, high-precision experiments searching for such higher order interferences are a powerful method to distinguish between quantum mechanics and more general theories. Here, we perform such a test in an optical multi-path interferometer, which avoids crucial systematic errors, has access to the entire phase space and is more stable than previous experiments. Our results are in accordance with quantum mechanics and rule out the existence of higher order interference terms in optical interferometry to an extent that is more than four orders of magnitude smaller than the expected pairwise interference, refining previous bounds by two orders of magnitude.

Processing of Signals from Fiber Bragg Gratings Using Unbalanced Interferometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamovsky, Grigory; Juergens, Jeff; Floyd, Bertram

2005-01-01

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) have become preferred sensory structures in fiber optic sensing system. High sensitivity, embedability, and multiplexing capabilities make FBGs superior to other sensor configurations. The main feature of FBGs is that they respond in the wavelength domain with the wavelength of the returned signal as the indicator of the measured parameter. The wavelength is then converted to optical intensity by a photodetector to detect corresponding changes in intensity. This wavelength-to-intensity conversion is a crucial part in any FBG-based sensing system. Among the various types of wavelength-to-intensity converters, unbalanced interferometers are especially attractive because of their small weight and volume, lack of moving parts, easy integration, and good stability. In this paper we investigate the applicability of unbalanced interferometers to analyze signals reflected from Bragg gratings. Analytical and experimental data are presented.

Requirements Formulation and Dynamic Jitter Analysis for Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Kuo-Chia; Hyde, Tristram; Blaurock, Carl; Bolognese, Jeff; Howard, Joseph; Danchi, William

2004-01-01

The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer (FKSI) has been proposed to detect and characterize extra solar giant planets. The baseline configuration for FKSI is a two- aperture, structurally connected nulling interferometer, capable of providing null depth less than lo4 in the infrared. The objective of this paper is to summarize the process for setting the top level requirements and the jitter analysis performed on FKSI to date. The first part of the paper discusses the derivation of dynamic stability requirements, necessary for meeting the FKSI nulling demands. An integrated model including structures, optics, and control systems has been developed to support dynamic jitter analysis and requirements verification. The second part of the paper describes how the integrated model is used to investigate the effects of reaction wheel disturbances on pointing and optical path difference stabilities.

Fiber-optic Michelson interferometer fixed in a tilted tube for direction-dependent ultrasonic detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gang, Tingting; Hu, Manli; Qiao, Xueguang; Li, JiaCheng; Shao, Zhihua; Tong, Rongxin; Rong, Qiangzhou

2017-01-01

A fiber-optic interferometer is proposed and demonstrated experimentally for ultrasonic detection. The sensor consists of a compact Michelson interferometer (MI), which is fixed in a tilted-tube end-face (45°). Thin gold films are used for the reflective coatings of two arms and one of the interference arms is etched serving as the sensing arm. The spectral sideband filter technique is used to interrogate the continuous and pulse ultrasonic signals (with frequency of 300 KHz). Furthermore, because of the asymmetrical structure of the sensor, it presents strong direction-dependent ultrasonic sensitivity, such that the sensor can be considered a vector detector. The experimental results show that the sensor is highly sensitive to ultrasonic signals, and thus it can be a candidate for ultrasonic imaging of seismic physical models.

Temperature sensor based on an isopropanol-sealed photonic crystal fiber in-line interferometer with enhanced refractive index sensitivity.

PubMed

Qiu, Sun-jie; Chen, Ye; Xu, Fei; Lu, Yan-qing

2012-03-01

We fabricate a simple, compact, and stable temperature sensor based on a liquid-sealed photonic crystal fiber (PCF) in-line nonpolarimetric modal interferometer. Different from other reported PCF devices, it does not need expensive polarimetric devices, and the liquid is sealed in one fiber. The device consists of a stub of isopropanol-filled PCF spliced between standard single-mode fibers. The temperature sensitivity (-166 pm/°C) increases over an order of magnitude compared with those of the previous sensors based on air-sealed PCF interferometers built via fusion splicing with the same mechanism. In addition, the refractive index sensitivity also increases. Higher temperature sensitivity can be realized by infiltrating some liquid having a higher thermo-optic coefficient into the microholes of the PCF. © 2012 Optical Society of America

Quantum Optical Aspects of Topological Phases, Such as Berry’s Phase

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-10

by Franson, and by Home, Shimosy and Zeilinger , in two recent Physical Review Leuers (62, 2205 and 2209 (1989)), in order to observe a purely quantal...interferometer. We also set up a two-photon interferometer, similar to the ones suggested by Franson, and by Home, Shimony and Zeilinger , in two

Photorefractive Nonlinear Optics

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-15

conjugate interferometer for the measurement of thin film thickness, refractive index and absorption coefficients. Also, we have investigated...conjugate interferometer for the measurement of thin film thickness, refractive index and absorption coefficients. Also, we have investigated...interaction by considering the refractive index grating as a linear superposition of the gratings from each of the frequency components of the

A closed-loop phase-locked interferometer for wide bandwidth position sensing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fleming, Andrew J., E-mail: Andrew.Fleming@Newcastle.edu.au; Routley, Ben S., E-mail: Ben.Routley@Newcastle.edu.au

This article describes a position sensitive interferometer with closed-loop control of the reference mirror. A calibrated nanopositioner is used to lock the interferometer phase to the most sensitive point in the interferogram. In this configuration, large low-frequency movements of the sensor mirror can be detected from the control signal applied to the nanopositioner and high-frequency short-range signals can be measured directly from the photodiode. It is demonstrated that these two signals are complementary and can be summed to find the total displacement. The resulting interferometer has a number of desirable characteristics: it is optically simple, does not require polarization ormore » modulation to detect the direction of motion, does not require fringe-counting or interpolation electronics, and has a bandwidth equal to that of the photodiode. Experimental results demonstrate the frequency response analysis of a high-speed positioning stage. The proposed instrument is ideal for measuring the frequency response of nanopositioners, electro-optical components, MEMs devices, ultrasonic devices, and sensors such as surface acoustic wave detectors.« less

The use of pressure controlled Fabry-Pérot interferometer with linear scanning of data for Brillouin-type experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Błachowicz, Tomasz

2000-08-01

The article presents results from work with Fabry-Pérot interferometers in Brillouin laser light scattering experiments, where optical signals of very low level intensity are observed. The information presented here can be useful in other types of optical experiments where scanning in the Fabry-Pérot interferometer spectral range has to be used. In such situations the shape of spectral lines as well as their relative distances can be detected. The key to the solution presented here is the use of a silicon-membrane pressure sensor coupled to a pressure chamber. It makes it possible to view spectral lines equally spaced after nonlinear flow of air from a chamber where the Fabry-Pérot interferometer is placed. Linear scanning in the spectral range equal to a frequency of about 150 GHz is possible. The method can be applied to Fabry-Pérot's etalons, very frequently produced some years ago. Now it should find new fields of application, in a simple and cost effective way, in student laboratories as well as in other research institutions.

A phase-stepped point diffraction interferometer using liquid crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Creath, Katherine; Rashidnia, Nasser

1995-01-01

A new instrument, the liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer (LCPDI), has been developed for the measurement of phase objects. This instrument maintains the compact, robust design of Linnik's point diffraction interferometer (PDI) and adds to it phase stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wavefronts with high data density and with automated data reduction. The design of the LCPDI is briefly discussed. An algorithm is presented for eliminating phase measurement error caused by object beam intensity variation from frame-to-frame. The LCPDI is demonstrated by measuring the temperature distribution across a heated chamber filled with silicone oil. The measured results are compared to independently measured results and show excellent agreement with them. It is expected that this instrument will have application in the fluid sciences as a diagnostic tool, particularly in space based applications where autonomy, robustness, and compactness are desirable qualities. It should also be useful for the testing of optical elements, provided a master is available for comparison.

Common mode noise rejection properties of amplitude and phase noise in a heterodyne interferometer.

PubMed

Hechenblaikner, Gerald

2013-05-01

High precision metrology systems based on heterodyne interferometry can measure the position and attitude of objects to accuracies of picometer and nanorad, respectively. A frequently found feature of the general system design is the subtraction of a reference phase from the phase of the position interferometer, which suppresses low frequency common mode amplitude and phase fluctuations occurring in volatile optical path sections shared by both the position and reference interferometer. Spectral components of the noise at frequencies around or higher than the heterodyne frequency, however, are generally transmitted into the measurement band and may limit the measurement accuracy. Detailed analytical calculations complemented with Monte Carlo simulations show that high frequency noise components may also be entirely suppressed, depending on the relative difference of measurement and reference phase, which may be exploited by corresponding design provisions. While these results are applicable to any heterodyne interferometer with certain design characteristics, specific calculations and related discussions are given for the example of the optical metrology system of the LISA Pathfinder mission to space.

Generation of singular optical beams from fundamental Gaussian beam using Sagnac interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naik, Dinesh N.; Viswanathan, Nirmal K.

2016-09-01

We propose a simple free-space optics recipe for the controlled generation of optical vortex beams with a vortex dipole or a single charge vortex, using an inherently stable Sagnac interferometer. We investigate the role played by the amplitude and phase differences in generating higher-order Gaussian beams from the fundamental Gaussian mode. Our simulation results reveal how important the control of both the amplitude and the phase difference between superposing beams is to achieving optical vortex beams. The creation of a vortex dipole from null interference is unveiled through the introduction of a lateral shear and a radial phase difference between two out-of-phase Gaussian beams. A stable and high quality optical vortex beam, equivalent to the first-order Laguerre-Gaussian beam, is synthesized by coupling lateral shear with linear phase difference, introduced orthogonal to the shear between two out-of-phase Gaussian beams.

Measurement Via Optical Near-Nulling and Subaperture Stitching

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forbes, Greg; De Vries, Gary; Murphy, Paul; Brophy, Chris

2012-01-01

A subaperture stitching interferometer system provides near-nulling of a subaperture wavefront reflected from an object of interest over a portion of a surface of the object. A variable optical element located in the radiation path adjustably provides near-nulling to facilitate stitching of subaperture interferograms, creating an interferogram representative of the entire surface of interest. This enables testing of aspheric surfaces without null optics customized for each surface prescription. The surface shapes of objects such as lenses and other precision components are often measured with interferometry. However, interferometers have a limited capture range, and thus the test wavefront cannot be too different from the reference or the interference cannot be analyzed. Furthermore, the performance of the interferometer is usually best when the test and reference wavefronts are nearly identical (referred to as a null condition). Thus, it is necessary when performing such measurements to correct for known variations in shape to ensure that unintended variations are within the capture range of the interferometer and accurately measured. This invention is a system for nearnulling within a subaperture stitching interferometer, although in principle, the concept can be employed by wavefront measuring gauges other than interferometers. The system employs a light source for providing coherent radiation of a subaperture extent. An object of interest is placed to modify the radiation (e.g., to reflect or pass the radiation), and a variable optical element is located to interact with, and nearly null, the affected radiation. A detector or imaging device is situated to obtain interference patterns in the modified radiation. Multiple subaperture interferograms are taken and are stitched, or joined, to provide an interferogram representative of the entire surface of the object of interest. The primary aspect of the invention is the use of adjustable corrective optics in the context of subaperture stitching near-nulling interferometry, wherein a complex surface is analyzed via multiple, separate, overlapping interferograms. For complex surfaces, the problem of managing the identification and placement of corrective optics becomes even more pronounced, to the extent that in most cases the null corrector optics are specific to the particular asphere prescription and no others (i.e. another asphere requires completely different null correction optics). In principle, the near-nulling technique does not require subaperture stitching at all. Building a near-null system that is practically useful relies on two key features: simplicity and universality. If the system is too complex, it will be difficult to calibrate and model its manufacturing errors, rendering it useless as a precision metrology tool and/or prohibitively expensive. If the system is not applicable to a wide range of test parts, then it does not provide significant value over conventional null-correction technology. Subaperture stitching enables simpler and more universal near-null systems to be effective, because a fraction of a surface is necessarily less complex than the whole surface (excepting the extreme case of a fractal surface description). The technique of near-nulling can significantly enhance aspheric subaperture stitching capability by allowing the interferometer to capture a wider range of aspheres. More over, subaperture stitching is essential to a truly effective near-nulling system, since looking at a fraction of the surface keeps the wavefront complexity within the capability of a relatively simple nearnull apparatus. Furthermore, by reducing the subaperture size, the complexity of the measured wavefront can be reduced until it is within the capability of the near-null design.

Investigation on a fiber optic accelerometer based on FBG-FP interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chongyu; Luo, Hong; Xiong, Shuidong; Li, Haitao

2014-12-01

A fiber optic accelerometer based on fiber Bragg grating Fabry-Perot (FBG-FP) interferometer is presented. The sensor is a FBG-FP cavity which is formed with two weak fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) in a single-mode fiber. The reflectivity of the two FBGs is 9.42% and 7.74% respectively, and the fiber between them is 10 meters long. An optical demodulation system was set up to analyze the reflected light of FBG-FP cavity. Acceleration signals of different frequencies and intensities were demodulated correctly and stably by the system. Based on analyzing the optical spectrum of weak FBG based FBG-FP cavity, we got the equivalent length of FBG-FP cavity. We used a path-matching Michelson interferometer (MI) to demodulate the acceleration signal. The visibility of the interference fringe we got was 41%~42% while the theory limit was 50%. This indicated that the difference of interferometer's two arms and the equivalent length of FBG-FP cavity were matched well. Phase generated carrier (PGC) technology was used to eliminate phase fading caused by random phase shift and Faraday rotation mirrors (FRMs) were used to eliminate polarization-induced phase fading. The accelerometer used a compliant cylinder design and its' sensitivity and frequency response were analyzed and simulated based on elastic mechanics. Experiment result showed that the accelerometer had a flat frequency response over the frequency range of 31-630Hz. The sensitivity was about 31dB (0dB=1rad/g) with fluctuation less than 1.5dB.

System identification of the JPL micro-precision interferometer truss - Test-analysis reconciliation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Red-Horse, J. R.; Marek, E. L.; Levine-West, M.

1993-01-01

The JPL Micro-Precision Interferometer (MPI) is a testbed for studying the use of control-structure interaction technology in the design of space-based interferometers. A layered control architecture will be employed to regulate the interferometer optical system to tolerances in the nanometer range. An important aspect of designing and implementing the control schemes for such a system is the need for high fidelity, test-verified analytical structural models. This paper focuses on one aspect of the effort to produce such a model for the MPI structure, test-analysis model reconciliation. Pretest analysis, modal testing, and model refinement results are summarized for a series of tests at both the component and full system levels.

Heterodyne interferometer with subatomic periodic nonlinearity.

PubMed

Wu, C M; Lawall, J; Deslattes, R D

1999-07-01

A new, to our knowledge, heterodyne interferometer for differential displacement measurements is presented. It is, in principle, free of periodic nonlinearity. A pair of spatially separated light beams with different frequencies is produced by two acousto-optic modulators, avoiding the main source of periodic nonlinearity in traditional heterodyne interferometers that are based on a Zeeman split laser. In addition, laser beams of the same frequency are used in the measurement and the reference arms, giving the interferometer theoretically perfect immunity from common-mode displacement. We experimentally demonstrated a residual level of periodic nonlinearity of less than 20 pm in amplitude. The remaining periodic error is attributed to unbalanced ghost reflections that drift slowly with time.

The Next Century Astrophysics Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swanson, Paul N.

1991-01-01

The Astrophysics Division within the NASA Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA) has defined a set of major and moderate missions that are presently under study for flight sometime within the next 20 years. These programs include the: Advanced X Ray Astrophysics Facility; X Ray Schmidt Telescope; Nuclear Astrophysics Experiment; Hard X Ray Imaging Facility; Very High Throughput Facility; Gamma Ray Spectroscopy Observatory; Hubble Space Telescope; Lunar Transit Telescope; Astrometric Interferometer Mission; Next Generation Space Telescope; Imaging Optical Interferometer; Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer; Gravity Probe B; Laser Gravity Wave Observatory in Space; Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy; Space Infrared Telescope Facility; Submillimeter Intermediate Mission; Large Deployable Reflector; Submillimeter Interferometer; and Next Generation Orbiting Very Long Baseline Interferometer.

Design of interferometer system on Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus (VEST) at Seoul National University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, D. H.; An, Y. H.; Chung, K. J.; Hwang, Y. S.

2012-01-01

A 94 GHz heterodyne interferometer system was designed to measure the plasma density of VEST (Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus), which was recently built at Seoul National University. Two 94 GHz Gunn oscillators with a frequency difference of 40 MHz were used in the microwave electronics part of a heterodyne interferometer system. A compact beam focusing system utilizing a pair of plano-convex lenses and a concave mirror was designed to maximize the effective beam reception and spatial resolution. Beam path analysis based on Gaussian optics was used in the design of the beam focusing system. The design of the beam focusing system and the beam path analysis were verified with a couple of experiments that were done within an experimental framework that considered the real dimensions of a vacuum vessel. Optimum distances between the optical components and the beam radii along the beam path obtained from the experiments were in good agreement with the beam path analysis using the Gaussian optics. Both experimentation and numerical calculations confirmed that the designed beam focusing system maximized the spatial resolution of the measurement; moreover, the beam waist was located at the center of the plasma to generate a phase shift more effectively in plasmas. The interferometer system presented in this paper is expected to be used in the measurements of line integrated plasma densities during the start-up phase of VEST.

Polydyne displacement interferometer using frequency-modulated light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arablu, Masoud; Smith, Stuart T.

2018-05-01

A radio-frequency Frequency-Modulated (FM) signal is used to diffract a He-Ne laser beam through an Acousto-Optic Modulator (AOM). Due to the modulation of the FM signal, the measured spectra of the diffracted beams comprise a series of phase-synchronized harmonics that have exact integer frequency separation. The first diffraction side-beam emerging from the AOM is selected by a slit to be used in a polydyne displacement interferometer in a Michelson interferometer topology. The displacement measurement is derived from the phase measurement of selected modulation harmonic pairs. Individual harmonic frequency amplitudes are measured using discrete Fourier transform applied to the signal from a single photodetector. Phase signals are derived from the changes in the amplitudes of different harmonic pairs (typically odd-even pairs) with the phase being extracted using a standard quadrature method. In this study, two different modulation frequencies of 5 and 10 kHz are used at different modulation depths. The measured displacements by different harmonic pairs are compared with a commercial heterodyne interferometer being used as a reference for these studies. Measurements obtained from five different harmonic pairs when the moving mirror of the interferometer is scanned over ranges up to 10 μm all show differences of less than 50 nm from the reference interferometer measurements. A drift test was also used to evaluate the differences between the polydyne interferometer and reference measurements that had different optical path lengths of approximately 25 mm and 50 mm, respectively. The drift test results indicate that about half of the differences can be attributed to temperature, pressure, and humidity variations. Other influences include Abbe and thermal expansion effects. Rough magnitude estimates using simple models for these two effects can account for remaining observed deviations.

Vertical integration of array-type miniature interferometers at wafer level by using multistack anodic bonding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei-Shan; Wiemer, Maik; Froemel, Joerg; Enderlein, Tom; Gessner, Thomas; Lullin, Justine; Bargiel, Sylwester; Passilly, Nicolas; Albero, Jorge; Gorecki, Christophe

2016-04-01

In this work, vertical integration of miniaturized array-type Mirau interferometers at wafer level by using multi-stack anodic bonding is presented. Mirau interferometer is suitable for MEMS metrology and for medical imaging according to its vertical-, lateral- resolutions and working distances. Miniaturized Mirau interferometer can be a promising candidate as a key component of an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The miniaturized array-type interferometer consists of a microlens doublet, a Si-based MEMS Z scanner, a spacer for focus-adjustment and a beam splitter. Therefore, bonding technologies which are suitable for heterogeneous substrates are of high interest and necessary for the integration of MEMS/MOEMS devices. Multi-stack anodic bonding, which meets the optical and mechanical requirements of the MOEMS device, is adopted to integrate the array-type interferometers. First, the spacer and the beam splitter are bonded, followed by bonding of the MEMS Z scanner. In the meanwhile, two microlenses, which are composed of Si and glass wafers, are anodically bonded to form a microlens doublet. Then, the microlens doublet is aligned and bonded with the scanner/spacer/beam splitter stack. The bonded array-type interferometer is a 7- wafer stack and the thickness is approximately 5mm. To separate such a thick wafer stack with various substrates, 2-step laser cutting is used to dice the bonded stack into Mirau chips. To simplify fabrication process of each component, electrical connections are created at the last step by mounting a Mirau chip onto a flip chip PCB instead of through wafer vias. Stability of Au/Ti films on the MEMS Z scanner after anodic bonding, laser cutting and flip chip bonding are discussed as well.

Electrical Double Layer-Induced Ion Surface Accumulation for Ultrasensitive Refractive Index Sensing with Nanostructured Porous Silicon Interferometers.

PubMed

Mariani, Stefano; Strambini, Lucanos Marsilio; Barillaro, Giuseppe

2018-03-23

Herein, we provide the first experimental evidence on the use of electrical double layer (EDL)-induced accumulation of charged ions (using both Na + and K + ions in water as the model) onto a negatively charged nanostructured surface (e.g., thermally growth SiO 2 )-Ion Surface Accumulation, ISA-as a means of improving performance of nanostructured porous silicon (PSi) interferometers for optical refractometric applications. Nanostructured PSi interferometers are very promising optical platforms for refractive index sensing due to PSi huge specific surface (hundreds of m 2 per gram) and low preparation cost (less than $0.01 per 8 in. silicon wafer), though they have shown poor resolution ( R) and detection limit (DL) (on the order of 10 -4 -10 -5 RIU) compared to other plasmonic and photonic platforms ( R and DL on the order of 10 -7 -10 -8 RIU). This can be ascribed to both low sensitivity and high noise floor of PSi interferometers when bulk refractive index variation of the solution infiltrating the nanopores either approaches or is below 10 -4 RIU. Electrical double layer-induced ion surface accumulation (EDL-ISA) on oxidized PSi interferometers allows the interferometer output signal (spectral interferogram) to be impressively amplified at bulk refractive index variation below 10 -4 RIU, increasing, in turn, sensitivity up to 2 orders of magnitude and allowing reliable measurement of refractive index variations to be carried out with both DL and R of 10 -7 RIU. This represents a 250-fold-improvement (at least) with respect to the state-of-the-art literature on PSi refractometers and pushes PSi interferometer performance to that of state-of-the-art ultrasensitive photonics/plasmonics refractive index platforms.

The Era After the ELT: Optical Interferometry With Kilometer Baselines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakker, Eric J.

2007-12-01

The 8-meter class telescopes seen first light in 1993-1998 (Keck, 1993, VLT 1998). The ELT will see first light in the 2013-2018 time frame. The follow-up of the ELT will see first light around 2023. That is 15 years from today. The sequence from 8-meter to 30 meter telescopes (started as a goal of 100m), will suggest a follow-up telescope with an aperture of 300 meter as initial goal. Cleary a 300 meter or more ambitiously a 1000-meter telescope can no longer be structural one piece that has to point to any point on the sky and track the objects. The more likely scenario is to follow the process applied in radio astronomy and move from single telescopes to interferometers. Optical interferometry is maturing very quickly with the de-commissioning of experimental instruments (COAST, GT2I, IOTA, and probably PTI and ISI in the near future) and the use of precision mechanics and automation. The remaining interferometers are grouped in three categories: large telescopes (VLTI and KECK-I), mid-size interferometers (MROI) and small interferometers (CHARA and NPOI). The Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI) is scheduled for first light/fringe in 2009 and will provide unique observing capabilities to astronomers with limiting magnitudes in the same range as those currently achieved by Keck-I and VLTI. The Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (near Socorro, NM) invites interested engineers, scientists, and astronomers to participate in the construction and science program of MRO at all levels. Ranging from visitors instruments, support of large procurements in return for access, to individual contributions related to the science program, shared risk observations, etc. For more information, contact the Project Manager at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer.

Low-Cost Linear Optical Sensors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kinsey, Kenneth F.; Meisel, David D.

1994-01-01

Discusses the properties and application of three light-to-voltage optical sensors. The sensors have been used for sensing diffraction patterns, the inverse-square law, and as a fringe counter with an interferometer. (MVL)

The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer a Low Complexity, Low Cost Space Mission for High-Resolution Astronomy and Direct Exoplanet Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barry, R. K.; Danchi, W. C.; Deming, L. D.; Richardson, L. J.; Kuchner, M. J.; Seager, S.; Frey, B. J.; Martino, A. J.; Lee, K. A.; Zuray, M.;

Astronomical Optical Interferometry. I. Methods and Instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jankov, S.

2010-12-01

Previous decade has seen an achievement of large interferometric projects including 8-10m telescopes and 100m class baselines. Modern computer and control technology has enabled the interferometric combination of light from separate telescopes also in the visible and infrared regimes. Imaging with milli-arcsecond (mas) resolution and astrometry with micro-arcsecond (muas) precision have thus become reality. Here, I review the methods and instrumentation corresponding to the current state in the field of astronomical optical interferometry. First, this review summarizes the development from the pioneering works of Fizeau and Michelson. Next, the fundamental observables are described, followed by the discussion of the basic design principles of modern interferometers. The basic interferometric techniques such as speckle and aperture masking interferometry, aperture synthesis and nulling interferometry are disscused as well. Using the experience of past and existing facilities to illustrate important points, I consider particularly the new generation of large interferometers that has been recently commissioned (most notably, the CHARA, Keck, VLT and LBT Interferometers). Finally, I discuss the longer-term future of optical interferometry, including the possibilities of new large-scale ground-based projects and prospects for space interferometry.

Aligning Arrays of Lenses and Single-Mode Optical Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Duncan

2004-01-01

A procedure now under development is intended to enable the precise alignment of sheet arrays of microscopic lenses with the end faces of a coherent bundle of as many as 1,000 single-mode optical fibers packed closely in a regular array (see Figure 1). In the original application that prompted this development, the precise assembly of lenses and optical fibers serves as a single-mode spatial filter for a visible-light nulling interferometer. The precision of alignment must be sufficient to limit any remaining wavefront error to a root-mean-square value of less than 1/10 of a wavelength of light. This wavefront-error limit translates to requirements to (1) ensure uniformity of both the lens and fiber arrays, (2) ensure that the lateral distance from the central axis of each lens and the corresponding optical fiber is no more than a fraction of a micron, (3) angularly align the lens-sheet planes and the fiber-bundle end faces to within a few arc seconds, and (4) axially align the lenses and the fiber-bundle end faces to within tens of microns of the focal distance. Figure 2 depicts the apparatus used in the alignment procedure. The beam of light from a Zygo (or equivalent) interferometer is first compressed by a ratio of 20:1 so that upon its return to the interferometer, the beam will be magnified enough to enable measurement of wavefront quality. The apparatus includes relay lenses that enable imaging of the arrays of microscopic lenses in a charge-coupled-device (CCD) camera that is part of the interferometer. One of the arrays of microscopic lenses is mounted on a 6-axis stage, in proximity to the front face of the bundle of optical fibers. The bundle is mounted on a separate stage. A mirror is attached to the back face of the bundle of optical fibers for retroreflection of light. When a microscopic lens and a fiber are aligned with each other, the affected portion of the light is reflected back by the mirror, recollimated by the microscopic lens, transmitted through the relay lenses and the beam compressor/expander, then split so that half goes to a detector and half to the interferometer. The output of the detector is used as a feedback control signal for the six-axis stage to effect alignment.

Confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer for frequency stabilization of laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, H.-J.; Ruan, P.; Wang, H.-W.; Li, F.

2011-02-01

The frequency shift of laser source of Doppler lidar is required in the range of a few megahertzs. To satisfy this demand, a confocal Fabry-Perot (F-P) interferometer was manufactured as the frequency standard for frequency stabilization. After analyzing and contrasting the center frequency shift of confocal Fabry-Perot interferometers that are made of three different types of material with the change of temperature, the zerodur material was selected to fabricate the interferometer, and the cavity mirrors were optically contacted onto the end of spacer. The confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer was situated within a double-walled chamber, and the change of temperature in the chamber was less than 0.01 K. The experimental results indicate that the free spectral range is 500 MHz, the full-width at half maximum is 3.33 MHz, and the finesse is 150.

Design of compact dispersion interferometer with a high efficiency nonlinear crystal and a low power CO2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akiyama, T.; Yoshimura, S.; Tomita, K.; Shirai, N.; Murakami, T.; Urabe, K.

2017-12-01

When the electron density of a plasma generated in high pressure environment is measured by a conventional interferometer, the phase shifts due to changes of the neutral gas density cause significant measurement errors. A dispersion interferometer, which measures the phase shift that arises from dispersion of medium between the fundamental and the second harmonic wavelengths of laser light, can suppress the measured phase shift due to the variations of neutral gas density. In recent years, the CO2 laser dispersion interferometer has been applied to the atmospheric pressure plasmas and its feasibility has been demonstrated. By combining a low power laser and a high efficiency nonlinear crystal for the second harmonic component generation, a compact dispersion interferometer can be designed. The optical design and preliminary experiments are conducted.

High-sensitivity rotation sensing with atom interferometers using Aharonov-Bohm effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özcan, Meriac

2006-02-01

In recent years there has been significant activity in research and development of high sensitivity accelerometers and gyroscopes using atom interferometers. In these devices, a fringe shift in the interference of atom de Broglie waves indicates the rotation rate of the interferometer relative to an inertial frame of reference. In both optical and atomic conventional Sagnac interferometers, the resultant phase difference due to rotation is independent of the wave velocity. However, we show that if an atom interforemeter is enclosed in a Faraday cage which is at some potential, the phase difference of the counter-propagating waves is proportional to the inverse square of the particle velocity and it is proportional to the applied potential. This is due to Aharonov-Bohm effect and it can be used to increase the rotation sensitivity of atom interferometers.

Results from a multi aperture Fizeau interferometer ground testbed: demonstrator for a future space-based interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baccichet, Nicola; Caillat, Amandine; Rakotonimbahy, Eddy; Dohlen, Kjetil; Savini, Giorgio; Marcos, Michel

2016-08-01

In the framework of the European FP7-FISICA (Far Infrared Space Interferometer Critical Assessment) program, we developed a miniaturized version of the hyper-telescope to demonstrate multi-aperture interferometry on ground. This setup would be ultimately integrated into a CubeSat platform, therefore providing the first real demonstrator of a multi aperture Fizeau interferometer in space. In this paper, we describe the optical design of the ground testbed and the data processing pipeline implemented to reconstruct the object image from interferometric data. As a scientific application, we measured the Sun diameter by fitting a limb-darkening model to our data. Finally, we present the design of a CubeSat platform carrying this miniature Fizeau interferometer, which could be used to monitor the Sun diameter over a long in-orbit period.

Optical alignment of high resolution Fourier transform spectrometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breckinridge, J. B.; Ocallaghan, F. G.; Cassie, A. G.

1980-01-01

Remote sensing, high resolution FTS instruments often contain three primary optical subsystems: Fore-Optics, Interferometer Optics, and Post, or Detector Optics. We discuss the alignment of a double-pass FTS containing a cat's-eye retro-reflector. Also, the alignment of fore-optics containing confocal paraboloids with a reflecting field stop which relays a field image onto a camera is discussed.

Atom Interferometry in a Warm Vapor

DOE PAGES

Biedermann, G. W.; McGuinness, H. J.; Rakholia, A. V.; ...

2017-04-17

Here, we demonstrate matter-wave interference in a warm vapor of rubidium atoms. Established approaches to light-pulse atom interferometry rely on laser cooling to concentrate a large ensemble of atoms into a velocity class resonant with the atom optical light pulse. In our experiment, we show that clear interference signals may be obtained without laser cooling. This effect relies on the Doppler selectivity of the atom interferometer resonance. Lastly, this interferometer may be configured to measure accelerations, and we demonstrate that multiple interferometers may be operated simultaneously by addressing multiple velocity classes.

Collinear interferometer with variable delay for carrier-envelope offset frequency measurement

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pawlowska, Monika; Ozimek, Filip; Fita, Piotr

2009-08-15

We demonstrate a novel scheme for measuring the carrier-envelope offset frequency in a femtosecond optical frequency comb. Our method is based on a common-path interferometer with a calcite Babinet-Soleil compensator employed to control the delay between the two interfering beams of pulses. The large delay range (up to 8 ps) of our device is sufficient for systems that rely on spectral broadening in microstructured fibers. We show an experimental proof that the stability of a common-path arrangement is superior to that of the standard interferometers.

Observations of Young Stellar Objects with Infrared Interferometry: Recent Results from PTI, KI and IOTA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akeson, Rachel

Young stellar objects have been one of the favorite targets of infrared interferometers for many years. In this contribution I will briefly review some of the first results and their contributions to the field and then describe some of the recent results from the Keck Interferometer (KI), the Palomar Testbed Interferometer (PTI) and the Infrared-Optical Telescope Array (IOTA). This conference also saw many exciting new results from the VLTI at both near and mid-infrared wavelengths that are covered by other contributions.

Collinear interferometer with variable delay for carrier-envelope offset frequency measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawłowska, Monika; Ozimek, Filip; Fita, Piotr; Radzewicz, Czesław

2009-08-01

We demonstrate a novel scheme for measuring the carrier-envelope offset frequency in a femtosecond optical frequency comb. Our method is based on a common-path interferometer with a calcite Babinet-Soleil compensator employed to control the delay between the two interfering beams of pulses. The large delay range (up to 8 ps) of our device is sufficient for systems that rely on spectral broadening in microstructured fibers. We show an experimental proof that the stability of a common-path arrangement is superior to that of the standard interferometers.

Computerized lateral-shear interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasegan, Sorin A.; Jianu, Angela; Vlad, Valentin I.

1998-07-01

A lateral-shear interferometer, coupled with a computer for laser wavefront analysis, is described. A CCD camera is used to transfer the fringe images through a frame-grabber into a PC. 3D phase maps are obtained by fringe pattern processing using a new algorithm for direct spatial reconstruction of the optical phase. The program describes phase maps by Zernike polynomials yielding an analytical description of the wavefront aberration. A compact lateral-shear interferometer has been built using a laser diode as light source, a CCD camera and a rechargeable battery supply, which allows measurements in-situ, if necessary.

Optical performance of prototype horn-coupled TES bolometer arrays for SAFARI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Audley, Michael D.; de Lange, Gert; Gao, Jian-Rong; Khosropanah, Pourya; Hijmering, Richard; Ridder, Marcel L.

2016-07-01

The SAFARI Detector Test Facility is an ultra-low background optical testbed for characterizing ultra-sensitive prototype horn-coupled TES bolmeters for SAFARI, the grating spectrometer on board the proposed SPICA satellite. The testbed contains internal cold and hot black-body illuminators and a light-pipe for illumination with an external source. We have added reimaging optics to facilitate array optical measurements. The system is now being used for optical testing of prototype detector arrays read out with frequency-domain multiplexing. We present our latest optical measurements of prototype arrays and discuss these in terms of the instrument performance.

Modified Linnik microscopic interferometry for quantitative depth evaluation of diffraction-limited microgroove

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Shiwei; Takahashi, Satoru; Michihata, Masaki; Takamasu, Kiyoshi

2018-05-01

The quality control of microgrooves is extremely crucial to ensure the performance and stability of microstructures and improve their fabrication efficiency. This paper introduces a novel optical inspection method and a modified Linnik microscopic interferometer measurement system to detect the depth of microgrooves with a width less than the diffraction limit. Using this optical method, the depth of diffraction-limited microgrooves can be related to the near-field optical phase difference, which cannot be practically observed but can be computed from practical far-field observations. Thus, a modified Linnik microscopic interferometer system based on three identical objective lenses and an optical path reversibility principle were developed. In addition, experiments for standard grating microgrooves on the silicon surface were carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and repeatability of the proposed method and developed measurement system.

Polarization-independent fiber filter with an all-polarization-maintaining fiber loop for tunable fiber lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jun; Wu, Weiran; Rao, Qi; Zhou, Kejiang

2018-05-01

Tunable fiber lasers are a promising light source in all-optical wavelength conversion, fiber grating sensing and optical add-drop multiplexing. In order to achieve a tunable wavelength in the output, optical filters are indispensable for the construction of tunable fiber lasers. Recently, much attention has been given to developing high-performance filters. This paper proposes an environment-insensitive filter based on a Sagnac interferometer which was designed by an all-polarization-maintaining fiber with linear birefringence. According to the Sagnac interferometer, we derived the transfer function of an environment-insensitive filter. Based on this principle, it is shown that the device is able to implement a precision filtering function that can be used in a fiber laser’s optical resonant cavity. The experiment results demonstrated the effectiveness of this structure.

Interferometer design and controls for pulse stacking in high power fiber lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilcox, Russell; Yang, Yawei; Dahlen, Dar; Xu, Yilun; Huang, Gang; Qiang, Du; Doolittle, Lawrence; Byrd, John; Leemans, Wim; Ruppe, John; Zhou, Tong; Sheikhsofla, Morteza; Nees, John; Galvanauskas, Almantas; Dawson, Jay; Chen, Diana; Pax, Paul

2017-03-01

In order to develop a design for a laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) driver, we demonstrate key technologies that enable fiber lasers to produce high energy, ultrafast pulses. These technologies must be scalable, and operate in the presence of thermal drift, acoustic noise, and other perturbations typical of an operating system. We show that coherent pulse stacking (CPS), which requires optical interferometers, can be made robust by image-relaying, multipass optical cavities, and by optical phase control schemes that sense pulse train amplitudes from each cavity. A four-stage pulse stacking system using image-relaying cavities is controlled for 14 hours using a pulse-pattern sensing algorithm. For coherent addition of simultaneous ultrafast pulses, we introduce a new scheme using diffractive optics, and show experimentally that four pulses can be added while a preserving pulse width of 128 fs.

First Searches for Optical Counterparts to Gravitational-wave Candidate Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aasi, J.; Abadie, J.; Abbott, B. P.; Abbott, R.; Abbott, T.; Abernathy, M. R.; Accadia, T.; Acernese, F.; Adams, C.; Adams, T.; Adhikari, R. X.; Affeldt, C.; Agathos, M.; Aggarwal, N.; Aguiar, O. D.; Ajith, P.; Allen, B.; Allocca, A.; Amador Ceron, E.; Amariutei, D.; Anderson, R. A.; Anderson, S. B.; Anderson, W. G.; Arai, K.; Araya, M. C.; Arceneaux, C.; Areeda, J.; Ast, S.; Aston, S. M.; Astone, P.; Aufmuth, P.; Aulbert, C.; Austin, L.; Aylott, B. E.; Babak, S.; Baker, P. T.; Ballardin, G.; Ballmer, S. W.; Barayoga, J. C.; Barker, D.; Barnum, S. H.; Barone, F.; Barr, B.; Barsotti, L.; Barsuglia, M.; Barton, M. A.; Bartos, I.; Bassiri, R.; Basti, A.; Batch, J.; Bauchrowitz, J.; Bauer, Th. S.; Bebronne, M.; Behnke, B.; Bejger, M.; Beker, M. G.; Bell, A. S.; Bell, C.; Belopolski, I.; Bergmann, G.; Berliner, J. M.; Bertolini, A.; Bessis, D.; Betzwieser, J.; Beyersdorf, P. T.; Bhadbhade, T.; Bilenko, I. A.; Billingsley, G.; Birch, J.; Bitossi, M.; Bizouard, M. A.; Black, E.; Blackburn, J. K.; Blackburn, L.; Blair, D.; Blom, M.; Bock, O.; Bodiya, T. P.; Boer, M.; Bogan, C.; Bond, C.; Bondu, F.; Bonelli, L.; Bonnand, R.; Bork, R.; Born, M.; Bose, S.; Bosi, L.; Bowers, J.; Bradaschia, C.; Brady, P. R.; Braginsky, V. B.; Branchesi, M.; Brannen, C. A.; Brau, J. E.; Breyer, J.; Briant, T.; Bridges, D. O.; Brillet, A.; Brinkmann, M.; Brisson, V.; Britzger, M.; Brooks, A. F.; Brown, D. A.; Brown, D. D.; Brückner, F.; Bulik, T.; Bulten, H. J.; Buonanno, A.; Buskulic, D.; Buy, C.; Byer, R. L.; Cadonati, L.; Cagnoli, G.; Calderón Bustillo, J.; Calloni, E.; Camp, J. B.; Campsie, P.; Cannon, K. C.; Canuel, B.; Cao, J.; Capano, C. D.; Carbognani, F.; Carbone, L.; Caride, S.; Castiglia, A.; Caudill, S.; Cavaglià, M.; Cavalier, F.; Cavalieri, R.; Cella, G.; Cepeda, C.; Cesarini, E.; Chakraborty, R.; Chalermsongsak, T.; Chao, S.; Charlton, P.; Chassande-Mottin, E.; Chen, X.; Chen, Y.; Chincarini, A.; Chiummo, A.; Cho, H. S.; Chow, J.; Christensen, N.; Chu, Q.; Chua, S. S. Y.; Chung, S.; Ciani, G.; Clara, F.; Clark, D. E.; Clark, J. A.; Cleva, F.; Coccia, E.; Cohadon, P.-F.; Colla, A.; Colombini, M.; Constancio, M., Jr.; Conte, A.; Conte, R.; Cook, D.; Corbitt, T. R.; Cordier, M.; Cornish, N.; Corsi, A.; Costa, C. A.; Coughlin, M. W.; Coulon, J.-P.; Countryman, S.; Couvares, P.; Coward, D. M.; Cowart, M.; Coyne, D. C.; Craig, K.; Creighton, J. D. E.; Creighton, T. D.; Crowder, S. G.; Cumming, A.; Cunningham, L.; Cuoco, E.; Dahl, K.; Dal Canton, T.; Damjanic, M.; Danilishin, S. L.; D'Antonio, S.; Danzmann, K.; Dattilo, V.; Daudert, B.; Daveloza, H.; Davier, M.; Davies, G. S.; Daw, E. J.; Day, R.; Dayanga, T.; De Rosa, R.; Debreczeni, G.; Degallaix, J.; Del Pozzo, W.; Deleeuw, E.; Deléglise, S.; Denker, T.; Dereli, H.; Dergachev, V.; DeRosa, R.; DeSalvo, R.; Dhurandhar, S.; Di Fiore, L.; Di Lieto, A.; Di Palma, I.; Di Virgilio, A.; Díaz, M.; Dietz, A.; Dmitry, K.; Donovan, F.; Dooley, K. L.; Doravari, S.; Drago, M.; Drever, R. W. P.; Driggers, J. C.; Du, Z.; Dumas, J.-C.; Dwyer, S.; Eberle, T.; Edwards, M.; Effler, A.; Ehrens, P.; Eichholz, J.; Eikenberry, S. S.; Endrőczi, G.; Essick, R.; Etzel, T.; Evans, K.; Evans, M.; Evans, T.; Factourovich, M.; Fafone, V.; Fairhurst, S.; Fang, Q.; Farr, B.; Farr, W.; Favata, M.; Fazi, D.; Fehrmann, H.; Feldbaum, D.; Ferrante, I.; Ferrini, F.; Fidecaro, F.; Finn, L. S.; Fiori, I.; Fisher, R.; Flaminio, R.; Foley, E.; Foley, S.; Forsi, E.; Forte, L. A.; Fotopoulos, N.; Fournier, J.-D.; Franco, S.; Frasca, S.; Frasconi, F.; Frede, M.; Frei, M.; Frei, Z.; Freise, A.; Frey, R.; Fricke, T. T.; Fritschel, P.; Frolov, V. V.; Fujimoto, M.-K.; Fulda, P.; Fyffe, M.; Gair, J.; Gammaitoni, L.; Garcia, J.; Garufi, F.; Gehrels, N.; Gemme, G.; Genin, E.; Gennai, A.; Gergely, L.; Ghosh, S.; Giaime, J. A.; Giampanis, S.; Giardina, K. D.; Giazotto, A.; Gil-Casanova, S.; Gill, C.; Gleason, J.; Goetz, E.; Goetz, R.; Gondan, L.; González, G.; Gordon, N.; Gorodetsky, M. L.; Gossan, S.; Goßler, S.; Gouaty, R.; Graef, C.; Graff, P. B.; Granata, M.; Grant, A.; Gras, S.; Gray, C.; Greenhalgh, R. J. S.; Gretarsson, A. M.; Griffo, C.; Grote, H.; Grover, K.; Grunewald, S.; Guidi, G. M.; Guido, C.; Gushwa, K. E.; Gustafson, E. K.; Gustafson, R.; Hall, B.; Hall, E.; Hammer, D.; Hammond, G.; Hanke, M.; Hanks, J.; Hanna, C.; Hanson, J.; Harms, J.; Harry, G. M.; Harry, I. W.; Harstad, E. D.; Hartman, M. T.; Haughian, K.; Hayama, K.; Heefner, J.; Heidmann, A.; Heintze, M.; Heitmann, H.; Hello, P.; Hemming, G.; Hendry, M.; Heng, I. S.; Heptonstall, A. W.; Heurs, M.; Hild, S.; Hoak, D.; Hodge, K. A.; Holt, K.; Holtrop, M.; Hong, T.; Hooper, S.; Horrom, T.; Hosken, D. J.; Hough, J.; Howell, E. J.; Hu, Y.; Hua, Z.; Huang, V.; Huerta, E. A.; Hughey, B.; Husa, S.; Huttner, S. H.; Huynh, M.; Huynh-Dinh, T.; Iafrate, J.; Ingram, D. R.; Inta, R.; Isogai, T.; Ivanov, A.; Iyer, B. R.; Izumi, K.; Jacobson, M.; James, E.; Jang, H.; Jang, Y. J.; Jaranowski, P.; Jiménez-Forteza, F.; Johnson, W. W.; Jones, D.; Jones, D. I.; Jones, R.; Jonker, R. J. G.; Ju, L.; K, Haris; Kalmus, P.; Kalogera, V.; Kandhasamy, S.; Kang, G.; Kanner, J. B.; Kasprzack, M.; Kasturi, R.; Katsavounidis, E.; Katzman, W.; Kaufer, H.; Kaufman, K.; Kawabe, K.; Kawamura, S.; Kawazoe, F.; Kéfélian, F.; Keitel, D.; Kelley, D. B.; Kells, W.; Keppel, D. G.; Khalaidovski, A.; Khalili, F. Y.; Khazanov, E. A.; Kim, B. K.; Kim, C.; Kim, K.; Kim, N.; Kim, W.; Kim, Y.-M.; King, E. J.; King, P. J.; Kinzel, D. L.; Kissel, J. S.; Klimenko, S.; Kline, J.; Koehlenbeck, S.; Kokeyama, K.; Kondrashov, V.; Koranda, S.; Korth, W. Z.; Kowalska, I.; Kozak, D.; Kremin, A.; Kringel, V.; Krishnan, B.; Królak, A.; Kucharczyk, C.; Kudla, S.; Kuehn, G.; Kumar, A.; Kumar, P.; Kumar, R.; Kurdyumov, R.; Kwee, P.; Landry, M.; Lantz, B.; Larson, S.; Lasky, P. D.; Lawrie, C.; Lazzarini, A.; Le Roux, A.; Leaci, P.; Lebigot, E. O.; Lee, C.-H.; Lee, H. K.; Lee, H. M.; Lee, J.; Lee, J.; Leonardi, M.; Leong, J. R.; Leroy, N.; Letendre, N.; Levine, B.; Lewis, J. B.; Lhuillier, V.; Li, T. G. F.; Lin, A. C.; Littenberg, T. B.; Litvine, V.; Liu, F.; Liu, H.; Liu, Y.; Liu, Z.; Lloyd, D.; Lockerbie, N. A.; Lockett, V.; Lodhia, D.; Loew, K.; Logue, J.; Lombardi, A. L.; Lorenzini, M.; Loriette, V.; Lormand, M.; Losurdo, G.; Lough, J.; Luan, J.; Lubinski, M. J.; Lück, H.; Lundgren, A. P.; Macarthur, J.; Macdonald, E.; Machenschalk, B.; MacInnis, M.; Macleod, D. M.; Magana-Sandoval, F.; Mageswaran, M.; Mailand, K.; Majorana, E.; Maksimovic, I.; Malvezzi, V.; Man, N.; Manca, G. M.; Mandel, I.; Mandic, V.; Mangano, V.; Mantovani, M.; Marchesoni, F.; Marion, F.; Márka, S.; Márka, Z.; Markosyan, A.; Maros, E.; Marque, J.; Martelli, F.; Martin, I. W.; Martin, R. M.; Martinelli, L.; Martynov, D.; Marx, J. N.; Mason, K.; Masserot, A.; Massinger, T. J.; Matichard, F.; Matone, L.; Matzner, R. A.; Mavalvala, N.; May, G.; Mazumder, N.; Mazzolo, G.; McCarthy, R.; McClelland, D. E.; McGuire, S. C.; McIntyre, G.; McIver, J.; Meacher, D.; Meadors, G. D.; Mehmet, M.; Meidam, J.; Meier, T.; Melatos, A.; Mendell, G.; Mercer, R. A.; Meshkov, S.; Messenger, C.; Meyer, M. S.; Miao, H.; Michel, C.; Mikhailov, E. E.; Milano, L.; Miller, J.; Minenkov, Y.; Mingarelli, C. M. F.; Mitra, S.; Mitrofanov, V. P.; Mitselmakher, G.; Mittleman, R.; Moe, B.; Mohan, M.; Mohapatra, S. R. P.; Mokler, F.; Moraru, D.; Moreno, G.; Morgado, N.; Mori, T.; Morriss, S. R.; Mossavi, K.; Mours, B.; Mow-Lowry, C. M.; Mueller, C. L.; Mueller, G.; Mukherjee, S.; Mullavey, A.; Munch, J.; Murphy, D.; Murray, P. G.; Mytidis, A.; Nagy, M. F.; Nanda Kumar, D.; Nardecchia, I.; Nash, T.; Naticchioni, L.; Nayak, R.; Necula, V.; Neri, I.; Newton, G.; Nguyen, T.; Nishida, E.; Nishizawa, A.; Nitz, A.; Nocera, F.; Nolting, D.; Normandin, M. E.; Nuttall, L. K.; Ochsner, E.; O'Dell, J.; Oelker, E.; Ogin, G. H.; Oh, J. J.; Oh, S. H.; Ohme, F.; Oppermann, P.; O'Reilly, B.; Ortega Larcher, W.; O'Shaughnessy, R.; Osthelder, C.; Ottaway, D. J.; Ottens, R. S.; Ou, J.; Overmier, H.; Owen, B. J.; Padilla, C.; Pai, A.; Palomba, C.; Pan, Y.; Pankow, C.; Paoletti, F.; Paoletti, R.; Papa, M. A.; Paris, H.; Pasqualetti, A.; Passaquieti, R.; Passuello, D.; Pedraza, M.; Peiris, P.; Penn, S.; Perreca, A.; Phelps, M.; Pichot, M.; Pickenpack, M.; Piergiovanni, F.; Pierro, V.; Pinard, L.; Pindor, B.; Pinto, I. M.; Pitkin, M.; Poeld, J.; Poggiani, R.; Poole, V.; Poux, C.; Predoi, V.; Prestegard, T.; Price, L. R.; Prijatelj, M.; Principe, M.; Privitera, S.; Prix, R.; Prodi, G. A.; Prokhorov, L.; Puncken, O.; Punturo, M.; Puppo, P.; Quetschke, V.; Quintero, E.; Quitzow-James, R.; Raab, F. J.; Rabeling, D. S.; Rácz, I.; Radkins, H.; Raffai, P.; Raja, S.; Rajalakshmi, G.; Rakhmanov, M.; Ramet, C.; Rapagnani, P.; Raymond, V.; Re, V.; Reed, C. M.; Reed, T.; Regimbau, T.; Reid, S.; Reitze, D. H.; Ricci, F.; Riesen, R.; Riles, K.; Robertson, N. A.; Robinet, F.; Rocchi, A.; Roddy, S.; Rodriguez, C.; Rodruck, M.; Roever, C.; Rolland, L.; Rollins, J. G.; Romano, J. D.; Romano, R.; Romanov, G.; Romie, J. H.; Rosińska, D.; Rowan, S.; Rüdiger, A.; Ruggi, P.; Ryan, K.; Salemi, F.; Sammut, L.; Sandberg, V.; Sanders, J.; Sannibale, V.; Santiago-Prieto, I.; Saracco, E.; Sassolas, B.; Sathyaprakash, B. S.; Saulson, P. R.; Savage, R.; Schilling, R.; Schnabel, R.; Schofield, R. M. S.; Schreiber, E.; Schuette, D.; Schulz, B.; Schutz, B. F.; Schwinberg, P.; Scott, J.; Scott, S. M.; Seifert, F.; Sellers, D.; Sengupta, A. S.; Sentenac, D.; Sergeev, A.; Shaddock, D.; Shah, S.; Shahriar, M. S.; Shaltev, M.; Shapiro, B.; Shawhan, P.; Shoemaker, D. H.; Sidery, T. L.; Siellez, K.; Siemens, X.; Sigg, D.; Simakov, D.; Singer, A.; Singer, L.; Sintes, A. M.; Skelton, G. R.; Slagmolen, B. J. J.; Slutsky, J.; Smith, J. R.; Smith, M. R.; Smith, R. J. E.; Smith-Lefebvre, N. D.; Soden, K.; Son, E. J.; Sorazu, B.; Souradeep, T.; Sperandio, L.; Staley, A.; Steinert, E.; Steinlechner, J.; Steinlechner, S.; Steplewski, S.; Stevens, D.; Stochino, A.; Stone, R.; Strain, K. A.; Strigin, S.; Stroeer, A. S.; Sturani, R.; Stuver, A. L.; Summerscales, T. Z.; Susmithan, S.; Sutton, P. J.; Swinkels, B.; Szeifert, G.; Tacca, M.; Talukder, D.; Tang, L.; Tanner, D. B.; Tarabrin, S. P.; Taylor, R.; ter Braack, A. P. M.; Thirugnanasambandam, M. P.; Thomas, M.; Thomas, P.; Thorne, K. A.; Thorne, K. S.; Thrane, E.; Tiwari, V.; Tokmakov, K. V.; Tomlinson, C.; Toncelli, A.; Tonelli, M.; Torre, O.; Torres, C. V.; Torrie, C. I.; Travasso, F.; Traylor, G.; Tse, M.; Ugolini, D.; Unnikrishnan, C. S.; Vahlbruch, H.; Vajente, G.; Vallisneri, M.; van den Brand, J. F. J.; Van Den Broeck, C.; van der Putten, S.; van der Sluys, M. V.; van Heijningen, J.; van Veggel, A. A.; Vass, S.; Vasúth, M.; Vaulin, R.; Vecchio, A.; Vedovato, G.; Veitch, J.; Veitch, P. J.; Venkateswara, K.; Verkindt, D.; Verma, S.; Vetrano, F.; Viceré, A.; Vincent-Finley, R.; Vinet, J.-Y.; Vitale, S.; Vlcek, B.; Vo, T.; Vocca, H.; Vorvick, C.; Vousden, W. D.; Vrinceanu, D.; Vyachanin, S. P.; Wade, A.; Wade, L.; Wade, M.; Waldman, S. J.; Walker, M.; Wallace, L.; Wan, Y.; Wang, J.; Wang, M.; Wang, X.; Wanner, A.; Ward, R. L.; Was, M.; Weaver, B.; Wei, L.-W.; Weinert, M.; Weinstein, A. J.; Weiss, R.; Welborn, T.; Wen, L.; Wessels, P.; West, M.; Westphal, T.; Wette, K.; Whelan, J. T.; Whitcomb, S. E.; White, D. J.; Whiting, B. F.; Wibowo, S.; Wiesner, K.; Wilkinson, C.; Williams, L.; Williams, R.; Williams, T.; Willis, J. L.; Willke, B.; Wimmer, M.; Winkelmann, L.; Winkler, W.; Wipf, C. C.; Wittel, H.; Woan, G.; Worden, J.; Yablon, J.; Yakushin, I.; Yamamoto, H.; Yancey, C. C.; Yang, H.; Yeaton-Massey, D.; Yoshida, S.; Yum, H.; Yvert, M.; Zadrożny, A.; Zanolin, M.; Zendri, J.-P.; Zhang, F.; Zhang, L.; Zhao, C.; Zhu, H.; Zhu, X. J.; Zotov, N.; Zucker, M. E.; Zweizig, J.; LIGO Scientific Collaboration; Virgo Collaboration; Akerlof, C.; Baltay, C.; Bloom, J. S.; Cao, Y.; Cenko, S. B.; Ćwiek, A.; Ćwiok, M.; Dhillon, V.; Fox, D. B.; Gal-Yam, A.; Kasliwal, M. M.; Klotz, A.; Laas-Bourez, M.; Laher, R. R.; Law, N. M.; Majcher, A.; Małek, K.; Mankiewicz, L.; Nawrocki, K.; Nissanke, S.; Nugent, P. E.; Ofek, E. O.; Opiela, R.; Piotrowski, L.; Poznanski, D.; Rabinowitz, D.; Rapoport, S.; Richards, J. W.; Schmidt, B.; Siudek, M.; Sokołowski, M.; Steele, I. A.; Sullivan, M.; Żarnecki, A. F.; Zheng, W.

2014-03-01

During the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory and Virgo joint science runs in 2009-2010, gravitational wave (GW) data from three interferometer detectors were analyzed within minutes to select GW candidate events and infer their apparent sky positions. Target coordinates were transmitted to several telescopes for follow-up observations aimed at the detection of an associated optical transient. Images were obtained for eight such GW candidates. We present the methods used to analyze the image data as well as the transient search results. No optical transient was identified with a convincing association with any of these candidates, and none of the GW triggers showed strong evidence for being astrophysical in nature. We compare the sensitivities of these observations to several model light curves from possible sources of interest, and discuss prospects for future joint GW-optical observations of this type.

First Searches for Optical Counterparts to Gravitational-Wave Candidate Events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aasi, J.; Abadie, J.; Abbott, B. P.; Abbott, R.; Abbott, T.; Abernathy, M. R.; Accadia, T.; Acernese, F.; Adams, C.; Adams, T.;

OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES FOR EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL OIL RECOVERY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kristie Cooper; Gary Pickrell; Anbo Wang

2003-04-01

This report summarizes technical progress over the fourth year of the ''Optical Fiber Sensor Technologies for Efficient and Economical Oil Recovery'' program, funded by the Federal Energy Technology Center of the U.S. Department of Energy, and performed by the Center for Photonics Technology of the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech. During the reporting period, research efforts under the program were focused on the development and evaluation of the fiber optic flow sensor system, and field testing in Tulsa, OK and the second field test of the pressure and temperature sensors in Coalinga, CA. The feasibilitymore » of a self-compensating fiber optic flow sensor based on a cantilever beam and interferometer for real-time flow rate measurements in the fluid filled pipes of oil field was clearly demonstrated. In addition, field testing of the pressure and temperature sensors deployed downhole continued. These accomplishments are summarized here: (1) Theoretical analysis and simulations were performed to ensure performance of the design. (2) The sensor fabrication and packaging techniques were investigated and improved. (3) Prototype flow sensors were fabricated based on the fabrication experience of hundreds of test sensors. (4) A lab-scale flow testing system was constructed and used for sensor evaluation. (5) Field-testing was performed in both the indoor and outdoor flow testing facility at the University of Tulsa, OK. (6) Testing of a multimode white light pressure and temperature sensor system continued at the oil site of Chevron/Texaco Company (Coalinga CA).« less

Surface profile measurement by using the integrated Linnik WLSI and confocal microscope system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei-Chung; Shen, Ming-Hsing; Hwang, Chi-Hung; Yu, Yun-Ting; Wang, Tzu-Fong

2017-06-01

The white-light scanning interferometer (WLSI) and confocal microscope (CM) are the two major optical inspection systems for measuring three-dimensional (3D) surface profile (SP) of micro specimens. Nevertheless, in practical applications, WLSI is more suitable for measuring smooth and low-slope surfaces. On the other hand, CM is more suitable for measuring uneven-reflective and low-reflective surfaces. As for aspect of surface profiles to be measured, the characteristics of WLSI and CM are also different. WLSI is generally used in semiconductor industry while CM is more popular in printed circuit board industry. In this paper, a self-assembled multi-function optical system was integrated to perform Linnik white-light scanning interferometer (Linnik WLSI) and CM. A connecting part composed of tubes, lenses and interferometer was used to conjunct finite and infinite optical systems for Linnik WLSI and CM in the self-assembled optical system. By adopting the flexibility of tubes and lenses, switching to perform two different optical measurements can be easily achieved. Furthermore, based on the shape from focus method with energy of Laplacian filter, the CM was developed to enhance the on focal information of each pixel so that the CM can provide all-in-focus image for performing the 3D SP measurement and analysis simultaneously. As for Linnik WLSI, eleven-step phase shifting algorithm was used to analyze vertical scanning signals and determine the 3D SP.

The MPE/UCB far-infrared imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer (FIFI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poglitsch, A.; Geis, N.; Genzel, R.; Haggerty, M.; Beeman, J. W.

1991-01-01

FIFI, an imaging spectrometer with two or three Fabry-Perot interferometers in a series for astronomical observations in the FIR range, is described. Spectral resolutions of 2 km/s can be obtained with FIFI. Design considerations are discussed as well as optics, the detector array, the transimpedance amplifier array, signal demodulation, data acquisition, and instrument control.

Electromagnetic modelling of a space-borne far-infrared interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donohoe, Anthony; O'Sullivan, Créidhe; Murphy, J. Anthony; Bracken, Colm; Savini, Giorgio; Pascale, Enzo; Ade, Peter; Sudiwala, Rashmi; Hornsby, Amber

2016-02-01

In this paper I will describe work done as part of an EU-funded project `Far-infrared space interferometer critical assessment' (FISICA). The aim of the project is to investigate science objectives and technology development required for the next generation THz space interferometer. The THz/FIR is precisely the spectral region where most of the energy from stars, exo-planetary systems and galaxy clusters deep in space is emitted. The atmosphere is almost completely opaque in the wave-band of interest so any observation that requires high quality data must be performed with a space-born instrument. A space-borne far infrared interferometer will be able to answer a variety of crucial astrophysical questions such as how do planets and stars form, what is the energy engine of most galaxies and how common are the molecule building blocks of life. The FISICA team have proposed a novel instrument based on a double Fourier interferometer that is designed to resolve the light from an extended scene, spectrally and spatially. A laboratory prototype spectral-spatial interferometer has been constructed to demonstrate the feasibility of the double-Fourier technique at far infrared wavelengths (0.15 - 1 THz). This demonstrator is being used to investigate and validate important design features and data-processing methods for future instruments. Using electromagnetic modelling techniques several issues related to its operation at long baselines and wavelengths, such as diffraction, have been investigated. These are critical to the design of the concept instrument and the laboratory testbed.

A 60-GHz interferometer with a local oscillator integrated antenna array for divertor simulation experiments on GAMMA 10/PDX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohagura, J.; Yoshikawa, M.; Wang, X.; Kuwahara, D.; Ito, N.; Nagayama, Y.; Shima, Y.; Nojiri, K.; Sakamoto, M.; Nakashima, Y.; Mase, A.

2016-11-01

In conventional multichannel/imaging microwave diagnostics of interferometry, reflectometry, and electron cyclotron emission measurements, a local oscillator (LO) signal is commonly supplied to a receiver array via irradiation using LO optics. In this work, we present a 60-GHz interferometer with a new eight-channel receiver array, called a local oscillator integrated antenna array (LIA). An outstanding feature of LIA is that it incorporates a frequency quadrupler integrated circuit for LO supply to each channel. This enables simple and uniform LO supply to the receiver array using only a 15-GHz LO source and a coaxial cable transmission line instead of using an expensive 60-GHz source, LO optics, and a waveguide transmission line. The new interferometer system is first applied to measure electron line-averaged density inside the divertor simulation experimental module (D-module) on GAMMA 10/PDX tandem mirror device.

A 60-GHz interferometer with a local oscillator integrated antenna array for divertor simulation experiments on GAMMA 10/PDX

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kohagura, J., E-mail: kohagura@prc.tsukuba.ac.jp; Yoshikawa, M.; Shima, Y.

In conventional multichannel/imaging microwave diagnostics of interferometry, reflectometry, and electron cyclotron emission measurements, a local oscillator (LO) signal is commonly supplied to a receiver array via irradiation using LO optics. In this work, we present a 60-GHz interferometer with a new eight-channel receiver array, called a local oscillator integrated antenna array (LIA). An outstanding feature of LIA is that it incorporates a frequency quadrupler integrated circuit for LO supply to each channel. This enables simple and uniform LO supply to the receiver array using only a 15-GHz LO source and a coaxial cable transmission line instead of using an expensivemore » 60-GHz source, LO optics, and a waveguide transmission line. The new interferometer system is first applied to measure electron line-averaged density inside the divertor simulation experimental module (D-module) on GAMMA 10/PDX tandem mirror device.« less

A 60-GHz interferometer with a local oscillator integrated antenna array for divertor simulation experiments on GAMMA 10/PDX.

PubMed

Kohagura, J; Yoshikawa, M; Wang, X; Kuwahara, D; Ito, N; Nagayama, Y; Shima, Y; Nojiri, K; Sakamoto, M; Nakashima, Y; Mase, A

2016-11-01

In conventional multichannel/imaging microwave diagnostics of interferometry, reflectometry, and electron cyclotron emission measurements, a local oscillator (LO) signal is commonly supplied to a receiver array via irradiation using LO optics. In this work, we present a 60-GHz interferometer with a new eight-channel receiver array, called a local oscillator integrated antenna array (LIA). An outstanding feature of LIA is that it incorporates a frequency quadrupler integrated circuit for LO supply to each channel. This enables simple and uniform LO supply to the receiver array using only a 15-GHz LO source and a coaxial cable transmission line instead of using an expensive 60-GHz source, LO optics, and a waveguide transmission line. The new interferometer system is first applied to measure electron line-averaged density inside the divertor simulation experimental module (D-module) on GAMMA 10/PDX tandem mirror device.

Compact and lightweight support platform with electromagnetic disturbance elimination for interferometer on reversed field pinch Keda Torus eXperiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Wenzhe; Yuan, Peng; Zheng, Jian; Ding, Weixing; Li, Hong; Lan, Tao; Liu, Adi; Liu, Wandong; Xie, Jinlin

2016-11-01

A compact and lightweight support platform has been used as a holder for the interferometer system on the Keda Torus eXperiment (KTX), which is a reversed field pinch device. The vibration caused by the interaction between the time-varying magnetic field and the induced current driven in the metal optical components has been measured and, following comparison with the mechanical vibration of the KTX device and the refraction effect of the ambient turbulent air flow, has been identified as the primary vibration source in this case. To eliminate this electromagnetic disturbance, nonmetallic epoxy resin has been selected as the material for the support platform and the commercially available metal optical mounts are replaced. Following these optimization steps and mechanical reinforcements, the stability of the interferometer platform has improved significantly. The phase shift caused by the vibration has been reduced to the level of background noise.

Wavefront tilt feedforward for the formation interferometer testbad (FIT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shields, J. F.; Liewer, K.; Wehmeier, U.

2002-01-01

Separated spacecraft interferometry is a candidate architecture for several future NASA missions. The Formation Interferometer Testbed (FIT) is a ground based testbed dedicated to the validation of this key technology for a formation of two spacecraft. In separated spacecraft interferometry, the residual relative motion of the component spacecraft must be compensated for by articulation of the optical components. In this paper, the design of the FIT interferometer pointing control system is described. This control system is composed of a metrology pointing loop that maintains an optical link between the two spacecraft and two stellar pointing loops for stabilizing the stellar wavefront at both the right and left apertures of the instrument. A novel feedforward algorithm is used to decouple the metrology loop from the left side stellar loop. Experimental results from the testbed are presented that verify this approach and that fully demonstrate the performance of the algorithm.

Adaptive DFT-based Interferometer Fringe Tracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Edward; Pedretti, Ettore; Bregman, Jesse; Mah, Robert W.; Traub, Wesley A.

2004-01-01

An automatic interferometer fringe tracking system has been developed, implemented, and tested at the Infrared Optical Telescope Array (IOTA) observatory at Mt. Hopkins, Arizona. The system can minimize the optical path differences (OPDs) for all three baselines of the Michelson stellar interferometer at IOTA. Based on sliding window discrete Fourier transform (DFT) calculations that were optimized for computational efficiency and robustness to atmospheric disturbances, the algorithm has also been tested extensively on off-line data. Implemented in ANSI C on the 266 MHz PowerPC processor running the VxWorks real-time operating system, the algorithm runs in approximately 2.0 milliseconds per scan (including all three interferograms), using the science camera and piezo scanners to measure and correct the OPDs. The adaptive DFT-based tracking algorithm should be applicable to other systems where there is a need to detect or track a signal with an approximately constant-frequency carrier pulse.

Apodization of beams in an optical interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ames, Lawrence L. (Inventor); Dutta, Kalyan (Inventor)

2006-01-01

An interferometry apparatus comprises one or more beam generators, a detector, and a plurality of optical paths along which one or more beams of light propagate. Disposed along at least one of the optical paths is an apodization mask to shape one of the beams.

Dense electro-optic frequency comb generated by two-stage modulation for dual-comb spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wang, Shuai; Fan, Xinyu; Xu, Bingxin; He, Zuyuan

2017-10-01

An electro-optic frequency comb enables frequency-agile comb-based spectroscopy without using sophisticated phase-locking electronics. Nevertheless, dense electro-optic frequency combs over broad spans have yet to be developed. In this Letter, we propose a straightforward and efficient method for electro-optic frequency comb generation with a small line spacing and a large span. This method is based on two-stage modulation: generating an 18 GHz line-spacing comb at the first stage and a 250 MHz line-spacing comb at the second stage. After generating an electro-optic frequency comb covering 1500 lines, we set up an easily established mutually coherent hybrid dual-comb interferometer, which combines the generated electro-optic frequency comb and a free-running mode-locked laser. As a proof of concept, this hybrid dual-comb interferometer is used to measure the absorption and dispersion profiles of the molecular transition of H 13 CN with a spectral resolution of 250 MHz.

Optical Fiber Sensors Based on Fiber Ring Laser Demodulation Technology

PubMed Central

Xie, Wen-Ge; Wang, Peng-Zhao; Wang, Jian-Zhang

2018-01-01

A review for optical fiber sensors based on fiber ring laser (FRL) demodulation technology is presented. The review focuses on the principles, main structures, and the sensing performances of different kinds of optical fiber sensors based on FRLs. First of all, the theory background of the sensors has been discussed. Secondly, four different types of sensors are described and compared, which includes Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) typed sensors, Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) typed sensors, Sagnac typed sensors, and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) typed sensors. Typical studies and main properties of each type of sensors are presented. Thirdly, a comparison of different types of sensors are made. Finally, the existing problems and future research directions are pointed out and analyzed. PMID:29419745

Common-Path Interferometric Wavefront Sensing for Space Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, James Kent

2011-01-01

This paper presents an optical configuration for a common-path phase-shifting interferometric wavefront sensor.1 2 This sensor has a host of attractive features which make it well suited for space-based adaptive optics. First, it is strictly reflective and therefore operates broadband, second it is common mode and therefore does not suffer from systematic errors (like vibration) that are typical in other interferometers, third it is a phase-shifting interferometer and therefore benefits from both the sensitivity of interferometric sensors as well as the noise rejection afforded by synchronous detection. Unlike the Shack-Hartman wavefront sensor, it has nearly uniform sensitivity to all pupil modes. Optical configuration, theory and simulations for such a system will be discussed along with predicted performance.

Optical Fiber Sensors Based on Fiber Ring Laser Demodulation Technology.

PubMed

Xie, Wen-Ge; Zhang, Ya-Nan; Wang, Peng-Zhao; Wang, Jian-Zhang

2018-02-08

A review for optical fiber sensors based on fiber ring laser (FRL) demodulation technology is presented. The review focuses on the principles, main structures, and the sensing performances of different kinds of optical fiber sensors based on FRLs. First of all, the theory background of the sensors has been discussed. Secondly, four different types of sensors are described and compared, which includes Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) typed sensors, Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) typed sensors, Sagnac typed sensors, and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) typed sensors. Typical studies and main properties of each type of sensors are presented. Thirdly, a comparison of different types of sensors are made. Finally, the existing problems and future research directions are pointed out and analyzed.

On-chip optical transduction scheme for graphene nano-electro-mechanical systems in silicon-photonic platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dash, Aneesh; Selvaraja, S. K.; Naik, A. K.

2018-02-01

We present a scheme for on-chip optical transduction of strain and displacement of Graphene-based Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS). A detailed numerical study on the feasibility of three silicon-photonic integrated circuit configurations is presented: Mach-Zehnder Interferometer(MZI), micro-ring resonator and ring-loaded MZI. An index-sensing based technique using a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer loaded with a ring resonator with a moderate Q-factor of 2400 can yield a sensitivity of 28 fm/sqrt(Hz), and 6.5E-6 %/sqrt(Hz) for displacement and strain respectively. Though any phase sensitive integrated photonic device could be used for optical transduction, here we show that optimal sensitivity is achievable by combining resonance with phase sensitivity.

Laser anemometer using a Fabry-Perot interferometer for measuring mean velocity and turbulence intensity along the optical axis in turbomachinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seasholtz, R. G.; Goldman, L. J.

1982-01-01

A technique for measuring a small optical axis velocity component in a flow with a large transverse velocity component is presented. Experimental results are given for a subsonic free jet operating in a laboratory environment, and for a 0.508 meter diameter turbine stator cascade. Satisfactory operation of the instrument was demonstrated in the stator cascade facility with an ambient acoustic noise level during operation of about 105 dB. In addition, the turbulence intensity measured with the interferometer was consistent with previous measurements taken with a fringe type laser anemometer.

Design of 4 to 2 line encoder using lithium niobate based Mach Zehnder Interferometers for high speed communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Amrindra; Kumar, Santosh; Sharma, Sandeep; Raghuwanshi, Sanjeev K.

2016-04-01

Encoder is a device that allows placing digital information from many inputs to many outputs. Any application of combinational logic circuit can be implemented by using encoder and external gates. In this paper, 4 to 2 line encoder is proposed using electro-optic effect inside lithium-niobate based Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs). The MZI structures have powerful capability to switching an optical input signal to a desired output port. The paper constitutes a mathematical description of the proposed device and thereafter simulation using MATLAB. The study is verified using beam propagation method (BPM).

Fiber-optic extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer sensors with three-wavelength digital phase demodulation.

PubMed

Schmidt, M; Fürstenau, N

1999-05-01

A three-wavelength-based passive quadrature digital phase-demodulation scheme has been developed for readout of fiber-optic extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer vibration, acoustic, and strain sensors. This scheme uses a superluminescent diode light source with interference filters in front of the photodiodes and real-time arctan calculation. Quasi-static strain and dynamic vibration sensing with up to an 80-kHz sampling rate is demonstrated. Periodic nonlinearities owing to dephasing with increasing fringe number are corrected for with a suitable algorithm, resulting in significant improvement of the linearity of the sensor characteristics.

Shot noise limits to sensitivity of optical interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prasad, Sudhakar

1992-01-01

By arguing that the limiting noise is the photoelectron shot noise, we show that the sensitivity of image synthesis by an ideal optical interferometer is independent of the details of beam-splitting and recombination. The signal-to-noise ratio of the synthesized image is proportional to the square root of the total number of photoelectrons detected by the entire array. For non-ideal interferometers, which are forced to employ a closure-phase method of indirect inference of the visibility data, essentially the same result holds for strong sources, but at weak light levels beam-splitting degrades sensitivity.

Fiber-Optic Sensor Would Monitor Growth of Polymer Film

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beamesderfer, Michael

2005-01-01

A proposed optoelectronic sensor system would measure the increase in thickness of a film of parylene (a thermoplastic polymer made from para-xylene) during growth of the film in a vapor deposition process. By enabling real-time monitoring of film thickness, the system would make it possible to identify process conditions favorable for growth and to tailor the final thickness of the film with greater precision than is now possible. The heart of the sensor would be a pair of fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometers, depicted schematically in the figure. (In principle, a single such interferometer would suffice. The proposal calls for the use of two interferometers for protective redundancy and increased accuracy.) Each interferometer would include a light source, a fiber-optic coupler, and photodetectors in a control box outside the deposition chamber. A single-mode optical fiber for each interferometer would run from inside the control box to a fused-silica faceplate in a sensor head. The sensory tips of the optical fibers would be polished flush with the free surface of the faceplate. In preparation for use, the sensor head would be mounted with a hermetic seal in a feed-through port in the deposition chamber, such that free face of the faceplate and the sensory tips of the optical fibers would be exposed to the deposition environment. During operation, light would travel along each optical fiber from the control box to the sensor head. A small portion of the light would be reflected toward the control box from the end face of each fiber. Once growth of the parylene film started, a small portion of the light would also be reflected toward the control box from the outer surface of the film. In the control box, the two reflected portions of the light beam would interfere in one of the photodetectors. The difference between the phases of the interfering reflected portions of the light beam would vary in proportion to the increasing thickness of the film and the known index of refraction of the film, causing the photodetector reading to vary in proportion to a known sinusoidal function of film thickness. Electronic means of monitoring this variation and the corresponding variation in phase and thickness are well established in the art of interferometry. Hence, by tracking the cumulative change in phase difference from the beginning of deposition, one could track the growing thickness of the film to within a small fraction of a wavelength of light.

Optical biosensor technologies for molecular diagnostics at the point-of-care

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schotter, Joerg; Schrittwieser, Stefan; Muellner, Paul; Melnik, Eva; Hainberger, Rainer; Koppitsch, Guenther; Schrank, Franz; Soulantika, Katerina; Lentijo-Mozo, Sergio; Pelaz, Beatriz; Parak, Wolfgang; Ludwig, Frank; Dieckhoff, Jan

2015-05-01

Label-free optical schemes for molecular biosensing hold a strong promise for point-of-care applications in medical research and diagnostics. Apart from diagnostic requirements in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and multiplexing capability, also other aspects such as ease of use and manufacturability have to be considered in order to pave the way to a practical implementation. We present integrated optical waveguide as well as magnetic nanoparticle based molecular biosensor concepts that address these aspects. The integrated optical waveguide devices are based on low-loss photonic wires made of silicon nitride deposited by a CMOS compatible plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process that allows for backend integration of waveguides on optoelectronic CMOS chips. The molecular detection principle relies on evanescent wave sensing in the 0.85 μm wavelength regime by means of Mach-Zehnder interferometers, which enables on-chip integration of silicon photodiodes and, thus, the realization of system-on-chip solutions. Our nanoparticle-based approach is based on optical observation of the dynamic response of functionalized magneticcore/ noble-metal-shell nanorods (`nanoprobes') to an externally applied time-varying magnetic field. As target molecules specifically bind to the surface of the nanoprobes, the observed dynamics of the nanoprobes changes, and the concentration of target molecules in the sample solution can be quantified. This approach is suitable for dynamic real-time measurements and only requires minimal sample preparation, thus presenting a highly promising point-of-care diagnostic system. In this paper, we present a prototype of a diagnostic device suitable for highly automated sample analysis by our nanoparticle-based approach.

Mechanical monolithic horizontal sensor for low frequency seismic noise measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acernese, Fausto; Giordano, Gerardo; Romano, Rocco; De Rosa, Rosario; Barone, Fabrizio

2008-07-01

This paper describes a mechanical monolithic horizontal sensor for geophysical applications developed at the University of Salerno. The instrument is basically a monolithic tunable folded pendulum, shaped with precision machining and electric discharge machining, that can be used both as seismometer and, in a force-feedback configuration, as accelerometer. The monolithic mechanical design and the introduction of laser interferometric techniques for the readout implementation makes it a very compact instrument, very sensitive in the low frequency seismic noise band, with a very good immunity to environmental noises. Many changes have been produced since last version (2007), mainly aimed to the improvement of the mechanics and of the optical readout of the instrument. In fact, we have developed and tested a prototype with elliptical hinges and mechanical tuning of the resonance frequency together with a laser optical lever and a new laser interferometer readout system. The theoretical sensitivity curve for both laser optical lever and laser interferometric readouts, evaluated on the basis of suitable theoretical models, shows a very good agreement with the experimental measurements. Very interesting scientific result is the measured natural resonance frequency of the instrument of 70mHz with a Q =140 in air without thermal stabilization. This result demonstrates the feasibility of a monolithic folded pendulum sensor with a natural resonance frequency of the order of millihertz with a more refined mechanical tuning.

Mechanical monolithic sensor for low frequency seismic noise measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acernese, Fausto; De Rosa, Rosario; Giordano, Gerardo; Romano, Rocco; Barone, Fabrizio

2007-10-01

This paper describes a mechanical monolithic sensor for geophysical applications developed at the University of Salerno. The instrument is basically a monolithic tunable folded pendulum, shaped with precision machining and electric-discharge-machining, that can be used both as seismometer and, in a force-feedback configuration, as accelerometer. The monolithic mechanical design and the introduction of laser interferometric techniques for the readout implementation make it a very compact instrument, very sensitive in the low-frequency seismic noise band, with a very good immunity to environmental noises. Many changes have been produced since last version (2006), mainly aimed to the improvement of the mechanics and of the optical readout of the instrument. In fact, we have developed and tested a prototype with elliptical hinges and mechanical tuning of the resonance frequency together with a new laser optical lever and laser interferometer readout system. The theoretical sensitivity curve for both laser optical lever and laser interferometric readouts, calculated on the basis of suitable theoretical models, shows a very good agreement with the experimental measurements. Very interesting scientific result is that the measured natural resonance frequency of the instrument is ~ 70mHz with a Q ~ 140 in air without thermal stabilization, demonstrating the feasibility of a monolithic FP sensor with a natural resonance frequency of the order of 5 mHz with a more refined mechanical tuning.

Mechanical monolithic horizontal sensor for low frequency seismic noise measurement.

PubMed

Acernese, Fausto; Giordano, Gerardo; Romano, Rocco; De Rosa, Rosario; Barone, Fabrizio

2008-07-01

This paper describes a mechanical monolithic horizontal sensor for geophysical applications developed at the University of Salerno. The instrument is basically a monolithic tunable folded pendulum, shaped with precision machining and electric discharge machining, that can be used both as seismometer and, in a force-feedback configuration, as accelerometer. The monolithic mechanical design and the introduction of laser interferometric techniques for the readout implementation makes it a very compact instrument, very sensitive in the low frequency seismic noise band, with a very good immunity to environmental noises. Many changes have been produced since last version (2007), mainly aimed to the improvement of the mechanics and of the optical readout of the instrument. In fact, we have developed and tested a prototype with elliptical hinges and mechanical tuning of the resonance frequency together with a laser optical lever and a new laser interferometer readout system. The theoretical sensitivity curve for both laser optical lever and laser interferometric readouts, evaluated on the basis of suitable theoretical models, shows a very good agreement with the experimental measurements. Very interesting scientific result is the measured natural resonance frequency of the instrument of 70 mHz with a Q=140 in air without thermal stabilization. This result demonstrates the feasibility of a monolithic folded pendulum sensor with a natural resonance frequency of the order of millihertz with a more refined mechanical tuning.

Simultaneous Water Vapor and Dry Air Optical Path Length Measurements and Compensation with the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Defrere, D.; Hinz, P.; Downey, E.; Boehm, M.; Danchi, W. C.; Durney, O.; Ertel, S.; Hill, J. M.; Hoffmann, W. F.; Mennesson, B.;

A Transportable Gravity Gradiometer Based on Atom Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, Nan; Thompson, Robert J.; Kellogg, James R.; Aveline, David C.; Maleki, Lute; Kohel, James M.

2010-01-01

A transportable atom interferometer-based gravity gradiometer has been developed at JPL to carry out measurements of Earth's gravity field at ever finer spatial resolutions, and to facilitate high-resolution monitoring of temporal variations in the gravity field from ground- and flight-based platforms. Existing satellite-based gravity missions such as CHAMP and GRACE measure the gravity field via precise monitoring of the motion of the satellites; i.e. the satellites themselves function as test masses. JPL's quantum gravity gradiometer employs a quantum phase measurement technique, similar to that employed in atomic clocks, made possible by recent advances in laser cooling and manipulation of atoms. This measurement technique is based on atomwave interferometry, and individual laser-cooled atoms are used as drag-free test masses. The quantum gravity gradiometer employs two identical atom interferometers as precision accelerometers to measure the difference in gravitational acceleration between two points (Figure 1). By using the same lasers for the manipulation of atoms in both interferometers, the accelerometers have a common reference frame and non-inertial accelerations are effectively rejected as common mode noise in the differential measurement of the gravity gradient. As a result, the dual atom interferometer-based gravity gradiometer allows gravity measurements on a moving platform, while achieving the same long-term stability of the best atomic clocks. In the laboratory-based prototype (Figure 2), the cesium atoms used in each atom interferometer are initially collected and cooled in two separate magneto-optic traps (MOTs). Each MOT, consisting of three orthogonal pairs of counter-propagating laser beams centered on a quadrupole magnetic field, collects up to 10(exp 9) atoms. These atoms are then launched vertically as in an atom fountain by switching off the magnetic field and introducing a slight frequency shift between pairs of lasers to create a moving rest frame for the trapped atoms. While still in this moving-frame molasses, the laser frequencies are further detuned from the atomic resonance (while maintaining this relative frequency shift) to cool the atom cloud's temperature to 2 K or below, corresponding to an rms velocity of less than 2 cm/s. After launch, the cold atoms undergo further state and velocity selection to prepare for atom interferometry. The atom interferometers are then realized using laser-induced stimulated Raman transitions to perform the necessary manipulations of each atom, and the resulting interferometer phase is measured using laser-induced fluorescence for state-normalized detection. More than 20 laser beams with independent controls of frequency, phase, and intensity are required for this measurement sequence. This instrument can facilitate the study of Earth's gravitational field from surface and air vehicles, as well as from space by allowing gravity mapping from a low-cost, single spacecraft mission. In addition, the operation of atom interferometer-based instruments in space offers greater sensitivity than is possible in terrestrial instruments due to the much longer interrogation times available in the microgravity environment. A space-based quantum gravity gradiometer has the potential to achieve sensitivities similar to the GRACE mission at long spatial wavelengths, and will also have resolution similar to GOCE for measurement at shorter length scales.

Frequency-modulated laser ranging sensor with closed-loop control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, Fabian M.; Böttger, Gunnar; Janeczka, Christian; Arndt-Staufenbiel, Norbert; Schröder, Henning; Schneider-Ramelow, Martin

2018-02-01

Advances in autonomous driving and robotics are creating high demand for inexpensive and mass-producible distance sensors. A laser ranging system (Lidar), based on the frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) method is built in this work. The benefits of an FMCW Lidar system are the low-cost components and the performance in comparison to conventional time-of-flight Lidar systems. The basic system consists of a DFB laser diode (λ= 1308 nm) and an asymmetric fiber-coupled Mach-Zehnder interferometer with a fixed delay line in one arm. Linear tuning of the laser optical frequency via injection current modulation creates a beat signal at the interferometer output. The frequency of the beat signal is proportional to the optical path difference in the interferometer. Since the laser frequency-to-current response is non-linear, a closed-loop feed-back system is designed to improve the tuning linearity, and consequently the measurement resolution. For fast active control, an embedded system with FPGA is used, resulting in a nearly linear frequency tuning, realizing a narrow peak in the Fourier spectrum of the beat signal. For free-space measurements, a setup with two distinct interferometers is built. The fully fiber-coupled Mach-Zehnder reference interferometer is part of the feed-back loop system, while the other - a Michelson interferometer - has a free-space arm with collimator lens and reflective target. A resolution of 2:0 mm for a 560 mm distance is achieved. The results for varying target distances show high consistency and a linear relation to the measured beat-frequency.

NONLINEAR AND FIBER OPTICS: Transverse traveling pulses in bistable interferometers with competing nonlinearities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rzhanov, Yu A.; Grigor'yants, A. V.; Balkareĭ, Yu I.; Elinson, M. I.

1990-04-01

A detailed qualitative description is given of the formation and propagation of leading edges of transverse traveling pulses in a bistable semiconductor interferometer with competing concentration and thermal mechanisms of nonlinear refraction. It is shown that, depending on the laser pumping rate and the heat transfer conditions, two types of traveling pulses may exist with elevated and reduced transmission. Each of these may be initiated by a local change in the input intensity of any sign. When the interferometer is pumped by a spatially inhomogeneous, (for example, Gaussian) beam, periodic spontaneous initiation of both types of traveling pulses may take place at the periphery or in the center of a beam. Traveling pulses are modeled numerically under various interferometer pumping conditions.

Simultaneous measurement of temperature and pressure with cascaded extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer and intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yinan; Huang, Jie; Lan, Xinwei; Yuan, Lei; Xiao, Hai

2014-06-01

This paper presents an approach for simultaneous measurement of temperature and pressure using miniaturized fiber inline sensors. The approach utilizes the cascaded optical fiber inline intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer and extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer as temperature and pressure sensing elements, respectively. A CO2 laser was used to create a loss between them to balance their reflection power levels. The multiplexed signals were demodulated using a Fast Fourier transform-based wavelength tracking method. Experimental results showed that the sensing system could measure temperature and pressure unambiguously in a pressure range of 0 to 6.895×105 Pa and a temperature range from 20°C to 700°C.

Laser-ranging long-baseline differential atom interferometers for space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiow, Sheng-wey; Williams, Jason; Yu, Nan

2015-12-01

High-sensitivity differential atom interferometers (AIs) are promising for precision measurements in science frontiers in space, including gravity-field mapping for Earth science studies and gravitational wave detection. Difficulties associated with implementing long-baseline differential AIs have previously included the need for a high optical power, large differential Doppler shifts, and narrow dynamic range. We propose a configuration of twin AIs connected by a laser-ranging interferometer (LRI-AI) to provide precise information of the displacements between the two AI reference mirrors and also to phase-lock the two independent interferometer lasers over long distances, thereby drastically improving the practical feasibility of long-baseline differential AI measurements. We show that a properly implemented LRI-AI can achieve equivalent functionality to the conventional differential AI measurement configuration.

Interferometric thickness calibration of 300 mm silicon wafers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Quandou; Griesmann, Ulf; Polvani, Robert

2005-12-01

The "Improved Infrared Interferometer" (IR 3) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a phase-measuring interferometer, operating at a wavelength of 1550 nm, which is being developed for measuring the thickness and thickness variation of low-doped silicon wafers with diameters up to 300 mm. The purpose of the interferometer is to produce calibrated silicon wafers, with a certified measurement uncertainty, which can be used as reference wafers by wafer manufacturers and metrology tool manufacturers. We give an overview of the design of the interferometer and discuss its application to wafer thickness measurements. The conversion of optical thickness, as measured by the interferometer, to the wafer thickness requires knowledge of the refractive index of the material of the wafer. We describe a method for measuring the refractive index which is then used to establish absolute thickness and thickness variation maps for the wafer.