Absolute distance measurement by dispersive interferometry using a femtosecond pulse laser

Ki-Nam Joo,Seung-Woo Kim

doi:10.1364/oe.14.005954

Abstract

We describe an interferometric method that enables to measure the optical path delay between two consecutive femtosecond laser pulses by way of dispersive interferometry. This method allows a femtosecond laser to be utilized as a source of performing absolute distance measurements to unprecedented precision over extensive ranges. Our test result demonstrates a non-ambiguity range of ~1.46 mm with a resolution of 7 nm over a maximum distance reaching ~0.89 m.

Highlights

The advent of femtosecond ultrashort pulse lasers has prompted various efforts to investigate new possibilities of advanced optical interferometry that were not possible with traditional sources such as CW lasers and white light
We describe an interferometric method that enables to measure the optical path delay between two consecutive femtosecond laser pulses by way of dispersive interferometry
This method allows a femtosecond laser to be utilized as a source of performing absolute distance measurements to unprecedented precision over extensive ranges

Summary

Introduction

The advent of femtosecond ultrashort pulse lasers has prompted various efforts to investigate new possibilities of advanced optical interferometry that were not possible with traditional sources such as CW lasers and white light.

Results

Conclusion