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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Implementation of a Reference Interferometer for Nanodetection

Implementation of a Reference Interferometer for Nanodetection

Published on: April 26, 2014

Spectrometer wavelength calibration using spectrally resolved white-light interferometry.

Robert C Youngquist¹, Stephen M Simmons, Andrea M Belanger

¹Kennedy Space Center Applied Physics Lab, Florida 32899, USA. Robert.C.Youngquist@nasa.gov

|July 3, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a novel method for calibrating spectrometer wavelength assignments using an unbalanced Michelson interferometer and white light. This technique accurately corrects wavelength errors, enhancing spectrometer performance.

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Area of Science:

Optical Engineering
Spectroscopy
Metrology

Background:

Accurate wavelength calibration is crucial for spectrometer performance in various scientific applications.
Existing calibration methods can be complex or require specialized light sources.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a straightforward and effective method for calibrating spectrometer wavelength assignments.
To demonstrate the utility of an unbalanced Michelson interferometer for this calibration process.

Main Methods:

Launching broadband white light through an unbalanced Michelson interferometer to generate a wavelength-dependent optical signal.
Comparing the spectrometer's recorded signal with the theoretically predicted signal.
Calculating and applying corrections based on observed deviations to calibrate wavelength assignments.

Main Results:

The proposed method successfully identifies and quantifies wavelength assignment errors in spectrometers.
An example demonstrates the practical application and effectiveness of the calibration technique.

Conclusions:

The unbalanced Michelson interferometer method provides a reliable approach for spectrometer calibration.
This technique offers a practical solution for improving the accuracy of wavelength measurements.