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Visibility oscillation in a multimode laser interferometer signal and its use in optimizing path lengths.

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Summary

A new parameter, W, reliably quantifies optical path length differences in interferometers using multimode lasers. This method overcomes limitations of traditional visibility measurements, improving path length balancing, especially for optical fiber systems.

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Area of Science:

  • Optical Physics
  • Interferometry
  • Laser Metrology

Background:

  • Interference signal visibility (V) in multimode laser interferometers is affected by optical path length differences (Z(S)) and spectral characteristics (k(S)).
  • Traditional visibility (V) is unreliable for quantifying path length differences due to laser variations and system inefficiencies.
  • Accurate optical path length measurement is crucial for systems using long optical fibers, where spatial measurements are insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To derive and validate a new parameter (W) for reliably quantifying optical path length differences in multimode laser interferometers.
  • To demonstrate the utility of parameter W for path length balancing, particularly in systems with long single-mode optical fibers.
  • To compare theoretical calculations with empirical measurements of W using different HeNe lasers.

Main Methods:

  • Derivation of interference visibility (V) as a function of optical path length difference (Z(S)) and spectral separation (k(S)).
  • Definition of parameter W as the ratio of maximum to minimum V variations with k(S) for a given Z(S).
  • Experimental validation using two HeNe lasers, one with known and one with unknown gain profiles, in a heterodyne interferometer.

Main Results:

  • Parameter W is shown to be an intrinsic laser property, insensitive to configurational details, making it reliable for path length balancing.
  • Empirical determination of W from high-bandwidth waveform records in a heterodyne setup, even with spontaneously varying k(S).
  • Qualitative agreement between theoretical and experimental W values validates the technique for diverse multimode laser systems.

Conclusions:

  • Parameter W offers a robust solution for accurate optical path length difference measurement and balancing in interferometers.
  • The developed method is particularly advantageous for applications involving long optical fibers where precise path length control is critical.
  • The technique is validated across different laser types, demonstrating its broad applicability in optical metrology.