A compact all-fiber displacement interferometer for measuring the foil velocity driven by laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Experimental Physics

Background:

• Fiber-optic interferometers are crucial for precise motion measurement.
• Existing systems can be bulky and less adaptable for micro-scale applications.
• The need for compact, high-resolution displacement and velocity measurement tools persists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a compact all-fiber displacement interferometer (AFDI) operating at 1550 nm.
• To demonstrate the AFDI's capability in measuring the velocity history of small, rapidly moving targets.
• To highlight the advantages of the AFDI's compact design and fiber optic probe.

Main Methods:

• Development of an all-fiber displacement interferometer (AFDI) system.
• Utilizing a single-mode optic fiber pigtail (1 mm diameter) as a compact detection head.
• Collecting reflected laser beams from moving surfaces to generate interference fringes.
• Measuring the velocity history of a laser-driven aluminum thin foil.

Main Results:

• Successful preliminary experiments measuring the velocity history of a small aluminum foil.
• Achieved nanometer resolution in displacement, enabling precise velocity profiling.
• Observed sharp interference fringes, validating the system's performance.
• Demonstrated the AFDI's ability to capture precise velocity history profiles.

Conclusions:

• The compact all-fiber displacement interferometer (AFDI) is a viable tool for high-resolution velocity measurements.
• Its compact structure and fiber optic probe offer unique advantages for observing small flyer movements.
• Further applications in multipoint velocity measurements for small targets are feasible and under consideration.