Modelling and correction for polarization errors of a 600 mm aperture dynamic Fizeau interferometer

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Metrology
• Interferometry

Background:

• Dynamic interferometers with large apertures are susceptible to polarization errors.
• Imperfect polarized elements and birefringence in large optical components cause significant polarization-induced errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a method for correcting polarization errors in large aperture dynamic interferometers.
• To improve the accuracy of phase measurements by mitigating polarization-related artifacts.

Main Methods:

• Developed a wave plate model to analyze birefringence effects.
• Applied the Lissajous ellipse fitting algorithm to correct for polarization errors.
• Conducted experiments using a 600mm aperture Fizeau interferometer.

Main Results:

• The Lissajous ellipse fitting algorithm effectively eliminated single and double frequency print-through errors.
• The developed wave plate model accurately related calculated phase to ideal phase distribution.
• Experimental results showed a minimal difference of 0.002λ (PV) compared to the wavelength tuning method.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method significantly reduces polarization errors in large aperture dynamic interferometers.
• Accurate phase measurement is achievable even with imperfect optical elements and birefringence.
• The technique offers a reliable alternative for high-precision optical testing.