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Measuring source width and transverse coherence length using Fresnel diffraction from a phase step.

Rasoul Aalipour, Mohammad Taghi Tavassoly, Ahad Saber

|September 9, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a faster method to measure light source size and spatial coherence using Fresnel diffraction. A single diffraction pattern reveals source width and coherence length, simplifying measurements for astronomy and imaging.

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Area of Science:

Optics and Photonics
Astronomy and Astrophysics

Background:

Characterizing distant celestial sources and imaging with partially coherent light requires measuring source size and spatial coherence.
Young's two-pinhole experiment is a common method for spatial coherence measurement but is time-consuming due to multiple pinhole pair measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a more efficient method for measuring source width and transverse coherence length.
To demonstrate that these parameters can be determined from a single diffraction pattern.

Main Methods:

Utilizing Fresnel diffraction from a step in reflection to analyze light.
Employing a sodium vapor lamp with a variable slit as a one-dimensional incoherent light source.
Identifying source parameters by locating the minimum visibility in the recorded diffraction pattern.

Main Results:

Theoretical and experimental validation of the Fresnel diffraction method.
Demonstration that source width and transverse coherence length are determined by the minimum visibility location.
Successful measurement using a single diffraction pattern, significantly reducing experimental time.

Conclusions:

The Fresnel diffraction method offers a rapid and effective alternative to traditional spatial coherence measurements.
This technique has potential applications in characterizing faint starlight with sensitive equipment.
The method is extendable to two-dimensional measurements.