Interferometric triple product processor (almost common path)

Abstract

A coherent version of the triple product processor is described. A minor modification to the noncoherent architecture produces an almost common path interferometric approach. The final product results from the square-law property of the detector. This architecture is more suitable for use at large bandwidths because it provides a significant light throughput advantage and reduces the second Bragg cell acoustic beam height requirement. The common path architecture significantly reduces the vibration sensitivity of the entire system compared to a Mach-Zehnder configuration. A holographic grating is introduced in the output plane in a manner similar to holographic interferometry to reduce detector resolution requirements.