Simultaneous measurement of vibration amplitude and rotation angle based on a single-channel laser self-mixing interferometer

Based on a single-channel laser self-mixing interferometcr, we present a new silnultaneous measurement of the vibration amplitude and tile rotation angle of objects that both affect the power spectrum containing two peaks of the interferometer signals. The fitted results indicate that the curve of the peak frequency versus the vibration amplitude follows a linear distribution, and the curve of the difference of the two-peak power values versus the angle follows a Gaussian distribution. A vibration amplitude with an error less than 3.0% and a rotation angle with an error less than 11.7% are calculated from the fitted results.

Laser self-mixing interferometer for MEMS dynamic measurement

Laser self-mixing interferometer has the advantages of simple architecture, compact size, naturally self-aligned optical characteristics, and low cost. It is promising to replace conventional interferometers for physical measurements, such as displacement, distance, velocity, vibration, and so on. In this paper, this interferometer was tried to be used for micro-electro- mechanical system （MEMS） dynamic measurement. Firstly, its measurement principle based on a three-mirror cavity model was presented, and then the laser self-mixing interferometer for MEMS dynamic measurement was designed, experiments were finally performed as target moves with different forms. Experimental results suggest that self-mixing interferometer is available for MEMS dynamic measurement, and may have wider applications in the future.

Laser self-mixing interferometer with scalable fringe precision based on phase multiplication algorithm

In this paper,we present a phase multiplication algorithm(PMA)to obtain scalable fringe precision in laser self-mixing interferometer under a weak feedback regime.Merely by applying the double angle formula on the self-mixing signal multiple times,the continuously improved fringe precision will be obtained.Theoretical analysis shows that the precision of the fringe could be improved toλ/2^(n+1).The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated by means of simulated SMI signals and confirmed by experiments under different amplitudes.A fringe precision ofλ/128 at a sampling rate of 500 k S/s has been achieved after doing 6 th the PMA.Finally,an amplitude of 50 nm has been proved to be measurable and the absolute error is 3.07 nm,which is within the theoretical error range.The proposed method for vibration measurement has the advantage of high accuracy and reliable without adding any additional optical elements in the optical path,thus it will play an important role in nanoscale measurement field.

Fourier Spectrometer based on Wide-range and Phase-locked Michelson Interferometer with Femtosecond Laser Excitation

A wide-range and phase-locked Michelson interferometer technique is described. This technique combined with femtosecond laser is used to measure the spectrum of the rare-earth ion Nd：YVO4, which presents very high signal to noise ratio of interferometric intensity output and higher spectral resolution than traditional grating spectrophotometer.

Recent Progress of the HL-2A Laser Interferometer

A new multi-channel far infrared （FIR） laser interferometer was built up and ap- plied to HL-2A. The unique feature of real-time heterodyne interferometer is the combination of high power radiation source （300 mW）, lower noise room temperature detector （noise tempera- ture below 6000 K） with good spatial resolution of 7 cm. Various parameters are optimized for maximum laser output power. Zero crossings of the signals are counted with field programmable gate array （FPGA） digital circuitry yielding the resolution of 1/1000 fringe. The newly measured results including density fluctuation are also presented.

HCN Laser Interferometer on the EAST Superconducting Tokamak

A single-channel far-infrared （FIR） laser interferometer was developed to measure the line averaged electron density on the EAST tokamak. The structure of the single-channel FIR laser interferometer is described in detail. The evolution of density sawtooth oscillation was measured by means the FIR laser interferometer, and was identified by electron cyclotron emission （ECE） signals and soft X-ray intensity. The discharges with and without sawtooth were compared with each other in the Hugill diagram.

Self-Mixing Interference Effects in LD Pumped Multi-Mode Solid-State Laser

Based on the effective structure of the self-mixing interference effects,a general model for the self-mixing interference effects in the LD pumped solid-state laser has been established for the first time.The numerical simulation of the self-mixing interference signal has been done,the results show that when the external cavity length is integral times of 1/2,1/3,2/3,1/4,3/4 of the effective cavity length,the intensity of the self-mixing interference signals reach maximum in value.While that of single mode laser is integral times of half of the effective cavity length,the measuring precision of displacement of single mode laser is λ/2.A conclusion can be drawn from the above results that the measuring precision of displacement of multi-mode laser is higher than that of single mode laser.

Mirror Mapping of Laser Interferometer Measurement System on Ultra-precise Movement Stage

The accuracy and repeatability of the laser interferometer measurement system （LIMS） are often limited by the mirror surface error that comes from the mirror surface shape and distortion. This paper describes a new method to calibrate mirror map on ultraprecise movement stage （UPMS） with nanopositioning and to make a real-time compensation for the mirror surface error by using mirror map data tables with the software algorithm. Based on the mirror map test model, the factors affecting mirror map are analyzed through geometric method on the UPMS with six digrees of freedom. Dam processing methods including spline interpolation and spline offsets are used to process the raw sampling data to build mirror map tables. The linear interpolation as compensation method to make a real-time correction on the stage mirror unflatness is adopted and the correction formulas are illuminated. In this way, the measurement accuracy of the system is obviously improved from 40 nm to 5 nm.

Laser Interferometer Based Measurement for Positioning Error Compensation in Cartesian Multi-Axis Systems

Accuracy is one of the most important key indices to evaluate multi-axis systems’ (MAS’s) characteristics and performances. The accuracy of MAS’s such as machine tools, measuring machines and robots is adversely affected by various error sources, including geometric imperfections, thermal deformations, load effects, and dynamic disturbances. The increasing demand for higher dimensional accuracy in various industrial applications has created the need to develop cost-effective methods for enhancing the overall performance of these mechanisms. Improving the accuracy of a MAS by upgrading the physical structure would lead to an exponential increase in manufacturing costs without totally eliminating geometrical deviations and thermal deformations of MAS components. Hence, the idea of reducing MAS’s error by a software-based alternative approach to provide real-time prediction and correction of geometric and thermally induced errors is considered a strategic step toward achieving the full potential of the MAS. This paper presents a structured approach designed to improve the accuracy of Cartesian MAS’s through software error compensation. Four steps are required to develop and implement this approach: (i) measurement of error components using a multidimensional laser interferometer system, (ii) tridimensional volumetric error mapping using rigid body kinematics, (iii) volumetric error prediction via an artificial neural network model, and finally (iv) implementation of the on-line error compensation. An illustrative example using a bridge type coordinate measuring machine is presented.

Measurement of small vibration by laser interferometer

The method and experimental results of measuring a small vibrating displacement by laser interferometer are introduced in this paper. The dynamic response of a new kind of tiny piezoelectric driver is detected. Results show that this kind of PZN-PZT tiny driver not only has high voltage-displacement sensitivity, but also its frequency response approaches to 1 kHz.Therefore this kind of piezoelectric driver can be used widely in many fields.

A laser feedback interferometer with an oscillating feedback mirror

A method is proposed to solve the problem of direction discrimination for laser feedback interferometers. By vibrating the feedback mirror with a small-amplitude and high-frequency sine wave, laser intensity is modulated accordingly. The modulation amplitude can be extracted using a phase sensitive detector （PSD）. When the feedback mirror moves, the PSD output shows a quasi-sine waveform similar to a laser intensity interference fringe but with a phase difference of approximately ±π/2. If the movement direction of the feedback mirror changes, the phase difference sign reverses. Therefore, the laser feedback interferometer offers a potential application in displacement measurement with a resolution of 1/8 wavelength and in-time direction discrimination. Without using optical components such as polarization beam splitters and wave plates, the interferometer is very simple, easy to align, and less costly.

Recent Progress of the HL-2A Multi-Channel HCOOH Laser Interferometer/Polarimeter

A multichannel methanoic acid （HCOOH, λ=432.5 μm） laser interferometer/polarimeter is being developed from the previous eight-channel hydrogen cyanide （HCN, λ=337 μm） laser interferometer in the HL-2A tokamak. A conventional Michelson-type interometer is used for the electron density measurement, and a Dodel-Kunz-type polarimeter is used for the Faraday rotation effect measurement, respectively. Each HCOOH laser can produce a linearly polarized radiation at a power lever of -30 mW, and a power stability 〈10% in 50 rain. A beam waist （diameter d0 ≈12.0 mm, about 200 mm away from the outlet） is finally determined through a chopping modulation technique. The latest optical layout of the interferometer/polarimeter has been finished, and the hardware data processing system based on the fast Fourier transform phase- comparator technique is being explored. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the diagnostic scheme, two associated bench simulation experiments were carried out in the laboratory, in which the plasma was simulated by a piece of polytetrafluoroethene plate, and the Faraday rotation effect was simulated by a rotating half-wave plate. Simulation results agreed well with the initial experimental conditions. At present, the HCOOH laser interferometer/polarimeter system is being assembled on HL-2A, and is planned to be applied in the 2014-2015 experimental campaign.

Measuring gravitational effect of superintense laser by spin-squeezed Bose-Einstein condensates interferometer

We consider an extremely intense laser,enclosed by an atom interferometer.The gravitational potential generated from the high-intensity laser is solved from the Einstein field equation under the Newtonian limit.We compute the strength of the gravitational force and study the feasibility of measuring the force by the atom interferometer.The intense laser field from the laser pulse can induce a phase change in the interferometer with Bose-Einstein condensates.We push up the sensitivity limit of the interferometer with Bose-Einstein condensates by spin-squeezing effect and determine the sensitivity gap for measuring the gravitational effect from intense laser by atom interferometer.

Research on Geometric Errors Measurement of Machine Tools Using Auto-Tracking Laser Interferometer

For the development of the aviation industry, machine tools are becoming large and travel long distances, making optical alignment setup difficult. An auto-tracking laser interferometer (ATLI) is proposed and researched in this paper for the squareness error measurement of machine tools or coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs). The procedure involves measurement of only one line of an axis, and the measurement results provide us information about not only the positioning errors but also the squareness errors. This specially designed interferometer instrument can be useful in checking industrial machine tools in a short time.

Laser self-mixing interference fibre sensor

Fibre sensors exhibit a number of advantages over other sensors such as high sensitivity, electric insulation, corrosion resistance, interference rejection and so on. And laser self-mixing interference can accurately detect the phase difference of feedback light. In this paper, a novel laser self-mixing interference fibre sensor that combines the advantages of fibre sensors with those of laser self-mixing interference is presented. Experimental configurations are set up to study the relationship between laser power output and phase of laser feedback light when the fibre trembles or when the fibre is stretched or pressed. The theoretical analysis of pressure sensors based on laser self-mixing interference is indicated to accord with the experimental results.

Laser Interferometer for Detection of Gravitational Wave-TAMA-300

In National Astronomical Observatory, Japan, Mitaka, a group of scientists has been constructing a laser interferometer with two Fabry Perot cavities 300m long, one in North South and one in East West directions. The interferomer is to detect any gravitational wave near 400Hz frequency and stronger than 10 -20 by autumn, 1998 all the instruments have been installed in the underground facilities and it will be operated for more than 30 days in April, 1999. Then a recycling device will be installed to increase the sensitivity by factor of 10. In this paper this system as well as other systems such as LIGOs in UAS and VIRGO in Europe will be reviewed.

A Self-Mixing Microvibration Measurement System of a π-Phase Shifted DFB Fiber Laser

Recently, with the rapid development of precision machining, microvibration measurement is required for the manufacturing and installation of parts and components. In this paper, a self-mixing microvibration measurement system of a π-phase shifted Distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser is introduced. An all-fiberized configuration Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped DFB fiber laser was used as light source, in which an active π-phase shifted fiber Bragg grating (FBG) was wrote on Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped fiber. Using this, it can easily get a single-mode lasing with narrow linewidth. Experimental results demonstrate that the amplitude of vibration can be achieved down to λ/5 without any modulation parts while utilizing the reflecting mirror. It is in good agreement with the theoretical analysis and very helpful in proving sensitivity and stability of the measurement system. In addition, remote vibration measurement with a distance of 20 km is also realized with this system.

Measuring Method of Radius of Curvature Based on Dual-Frequency Laser Interferometer

In order to achieve high-accuracy measurement of radius of curvature of optical sphere, ultra-high accuracy radius of curvature testing device is developed by dual-frequency laser interferometer and Fizeau interferometer based on cat’s eye and confocal method. Through analyzing the error source models of radius of curvature testing, optical configuration of the testing device has been optimized. Precise environment control and real-time monitoring system is also established to reduce the errors caused by environment. Through the above processes, the radius of curvature measurement relative accuracy is better than 2 ppm. One optical sphere, R88.5 mm, test aperture 59 mm, has been tested. Testing result is 88499.465 ± 0.176 μm, meeting the design requirement. The method has high accuracy and practical advantages.

Multi-Channel FIR Laser Interferometer on the HL-2A Tokamak

In recent years, the high density plasma in the range of 10^19～ 10^20m^-3 have been operated in large or middle tokamak device in the world. A muhichannel far infrared interferometer for profile measurement of plasma density on HL-2A divertor tokamak is being developed, however the design of the interferometer will appear many new problem in face of experimental environment of the HL-2A divertor device, such as how to make both transmission and arrangement of optics of the interferometer, the effect of electromo- tive force on device and how about the vibration etc. According to the eight windows setting on the largest flange of the device we have to design a Michelson-type FIR laser interferometer with 8 probing channels and eight concave mirrors must be attached it to the inner wall of the vacuum vessel of the device. Therefore, there are many problems should be taken into account to resolve, for example, （ 1 ） the vibration-proof consider for muhichannel interferometer and HCN laser, （2） the stabilization and reliability of the mirror frame uum vessel, the mirrors, hanging on internal wall of vachow to prevent the sputtering to （3） the vacuum seal of the windows and the design of mobile seal for the shutter to avoid the sputter coating of plasma,

Large-scale error-tolerant programmable interferometer fabricated by femtosecond laser writing

We introduce a programmable eight-port interferometer with the recently proposed error-tolerant architecture capable of performing a broad class of transformations.The interferometer has been fabricated with femtosecond laser writing,and it is the largest programmable interferometer of this kind to date.We have demonstrated its advantageous error tolerance by showing an operation in a broad wavelength range from 920 to 980 nm,which is particularly relevant for quantum photonics due to efficient photon sources existing in this wavelength range.Our work highlights the importance of developing novel architectures of programmable photonics for information processing.