Dynamic Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on the lateral displacement of a point source array.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Interferometry
• Phase Measurement

Background:

• Mach-Zehnder interferometers are crucial for optical measurements.
• Dynamic phase measurement requires precise control and rapid data acquisition.
• Existing methods may face limitations in speed or accuracy for dynamic scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel dynamic Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
• To achieve exact phase distribution retrieval for dynamic measurements.
• To validate the system's feasibility and high precision through experimental results.

Main Methods:

• A dynamic Mach-Zehnder interferometer utilizing a laterally displaced point source array.
• Generation of a four-point source array with identical intensity using a phase grating.
• Introduction of π/2 phase steps via controlled lateral displacement of point sources.
• A spatial split imaging system with a specialized lens array for single-shot capture of four interferograms.
• Application of a four-bucket algorithm for precise phase distribution retrieval.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of a four-point source array with adjustable lateral displacement.
• Capture of four separated and clear imaging interferograms in a single shot.
• Exact retrieval of phase distribution using the four-bucket algorithm.
• Demonstration of dynamic measurement capabilities with high precision.

Conclusions:

• The proposed dynamic Mach-Zehnder interferometer is feasible for precise phase measurement.
• The system enables exact phase retrieval and dynamic measurement applications.
• The experimental validation confirms the high precision and effectiveness of the developed interferometer.