Absolute distance sensing by two laser optical interferometry

We have developed a method for absolute distance sensing by two laser optical interferometry. A particularity of this technique is that a target distance is determined in absolute and is no longer limited to within an ambiguity range affecting usually multiple wavelength interferometers. We implemen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Review of scientific instruments 2013-11, Vol.84 (11), p.115002-115002
Main Authors: Thurner, Klaus, Braun, Pierre-François, Karrai, Khaled
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ambiguity
Detection
Interferometers
Interferometry
Lasers
Nanostructure
Position measurement
Scientific apparatus & instruments
Semiconductor lasers
Wavelengths
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Summary:We have developed a method for absolute distance sensing by two laser optical interferometry. A particularity of this technique is that a target distance is determined in absolute and is no longer limited to within an ambiguity range affecting usually multiple wavelength interferometers. We implemented the technique in a low-finesse Fabry-Pérot miniature fiber based interferometer. We used two diode lasers, both operating in the 1550 nm wavelength range. The wavelength difference is chosen to create a 25 μm long periodic beating interferometric pattern allowing a nanometer precise position measurement but limited to within an ambiguity range of 25 μm. The ambiguity is then eliminated by scanning one of the wavelengths over a small range (3.4 nm). We measured absolute distances in the sub-meter range and this with just few nanometer repeatability.
ISSN:0034-6748
1089-7623
DOI:10.1063/1.4831800