Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Implementation of a Reference Interferometer for Nanodetection
Published on: April 26, 2014
Linear approximation for measurement errors in phase shifting interferometry
Abstract:
This paper shows how measurement errors in phase shifting interferometry (PSI) can be described to a high degree of accuracy in a linear approximation. System error sources considered here are light source instability, imperfect reference phase shifting, mechanical vibrations, nonlinearity of the detector, and quantization of the detector signal. The measurement inaccuracies resulting from these errors are calculated in linear approximation for several formulas commonly used for PSI. The results are presented in tables for easy calculation of the measurement error magnitudes for known system errors. In addition, this paper discusses the measurement error reduction which can be achieved by choosing an appropriate phase calculation formula.
Related Concept Videos
Linearization and Approximation
Application of Linearization and Approximation
Linear Approximation in Time Domain
For a simple pendulum with a mass evenly distributed along its length and the center of mass located at half the pendulum's length, the...
Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision
Common Leveling Mistakes and Errors
Uncertainty in Measurement: Reading Instruments

