Characterizations and Use of Recycled Optical Components for Polarizing Phase-Shifting Interferometry Applications

Juan M Islas-Islas,David-Ignacio Serrano-García,Benito Canales-Pacheco,Adolfo Quiroz,Luis García-Lechuga,Noel-Ivan Toto-Arellano,Germán Reséndiz-López,José G Ortega-Mendoza

doi:10.3390/photonics9030125

Abstract

In this research, we report using optical components such as cubic beam splitters, lenses, diffraction gratings, and mirrors from broken, obsolete, or disused electronic devices to implement a simultaneous polarization-based phase-shifting interferometric system. The system is composed of a polarized Mach–Zehnder interferometer (PMZI) which generates a sample pattern coupled to a 4f imaging system with a diffraction grating placed on its Fourier plane. Such a diffractive element replicates the pattern generated by the PMZI, and each replica is centered and modulated by each diffraction order generated by the grating. The corresponding individual phase shifts are controlled by placing linear polarizers with known angles in front of each replica. Experimental results are presented using several phase samples such as an oil drop, a pseudoscorpion claw, a microarthropod, and red blood cells. In addition, a comparison of the retrieved phase was conducted by employing two different phase demodulation algorithms.

Highlights

In the last few decades, the so-called brown economic model caused the depletion of natural resources, degradation, and widespread loss of ecosystems
The implemented experimental system based on a polarized Mach–Zehnder interfe ometer (PMZI) coupled to a 4f system with on a diffraction grating in the interferFourier plane
We mention in the manuscript that these components can only be used for basic research or education since it is somewhat tedious to search for recycled components

Summary

Introduction

In the last few decades, the so-called brown economic model caused the depletion of natural resources, degradation, and widespread loss of ecosystems. An essential part of the green economy model is the circular economy practice of reducing, reusing, and recycling (3R scheme) [1,2]. Following this 3R scheme, we implemented a polarization-based phaseshifting interferometric system using recovered optics from electronic waste [3]. Today, throwing away CD/DVD reading devices and broken or obsolete projectors is prevalent. Those devices are sources of good-quality optical components such as lenses, mirrors, diffraction gratings, cubic beam splitters, polarizer sheets, and Fresnel lenses, among others that can be used in the implementation of interferometric systems

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion