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Optical heterodyne accelerometry: passively stabilized, fully balanced velocity interferometer system for any
William T Buttler1, Steven K Lamoreaux
1Los Alamos National Laboratory, Physics Division (P-23), MS H803, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA. buttler@lanl.gov
Applied Optics
|August 11, 2010
Summary
We developed a novel optical heterodyne accelerometer for measuring material surface velocities under extreme strain. This robust, fiber-based system enhances shock physics velocimetry, offering precise measurements even with scattering effects.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical velocimetry is crucial in shock physics for material analysis.
- Existing techniques face challenges with high strain and scattering.
- Quantum cryptography has developed advanced self-stabilizing interferometers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formalize the physics of an optical heterodyne accelerometer.
- To enable measurement of low and high velocities from material surfaces under high strain.
- To create a robust, fiber-based velocimetry system.
Main Methods:
- Incorporating common optical velocimetry techniques.
- Integrating self-stabilizing interferometers from quantum cryptography.
- Utilizing a telecom-fiber-based apparatus.
Main Results:
- The system measures velocities from material surfaces under high strain.
- It combines shock physics velocimetry with stabilized interferometry.
- The apparatus is insensitive to modal and frequency dispersion.
Conclusions:
- The developed optical heterodyne accelerometer is robust and versatile.
- It functions effectively in the presence of decoherent scattering.
- This system advances velocimetry for shock physics applications.
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