Intensity distribution of Fizeau fringes in transmission with the real path of the interfered multiple-beams

Abstract

In this paper, a theory is presented to estimate the intensity distribution of Fizeau fringes in transmission. In this theory the real path of the interfered light beams, through the wedge interferometer, has been considered. Interference of multiple beams has been estimated up to 12 beams considering the phase and amplitude for each beam. The summation of these waves has been done using the vector summation theory. The numerical construction of Fizeau fringes in space has been calculated considering the superposition of different number of beams. The influence of the wedge angle, number of the interfered beams and the wedge gap on the intensity distribution has been investigated. The most interesting observation in this study is the intensity distribution in different planes above the interferometer in both calculated and experimental Fizeau fringes using a He–Ne laser. Some experimental interferograms have been illustrated to confirm the validity of the proposed theory.