Two-channel algorithm for single-shot, high-resolution measurement of optical wavefronts using two image sensors

Area of Science:

• Optical Physics
• Interferometry
• Metrology

Background:

• Accurate measurement of complex amplitude fields is crucial in various scientific and engineering disciplines.
• Traditional interferometric methods often require complex setups or phase-shifting elements.
• Existing systems can be susceptible to errors arising from variations in sensor characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a simplified and highly accurate system for single-shot complex amplitude field measurement.
• To develop a robust method that minimizes the need for specialized optical components.
• To address and compensate for potential measurement errors caused by differing sensor properties.

Main Methods:

• A two-channel holographic diversity interferometer (2ch-HDI) system was designed.
• Two phase-shifted interference patterns were generated without a phase-shifting device using a circularly polarized reference beam.
• A novel two-channel algorithm was developed to correct for intensity distribution differences between two image sensors.

Main Results:

• Simulations demonstrated the algorithm's effectiveness in compensating for sensor intensity variations.
• Experimental validation confirmed the significant enhancement in measurement accuracy.
• The 2ch-HDI system achieved single-shot, highly accurate complex amplitude field measurements.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 2ch-HDI system offers a simple yet effective solution for precise optical measurements.
• The developed algorithm successfully mitigates errors from sensor intensity differences, enhancing reliability.
• This combined approach represents a significant advancement in interferometric measurement techniques.