Robust Quantitative Measurement of Flows and Transparent or Highly Reflective Objects

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Rashidnia, Nasser

The liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer (LCPDI) is a new instrument that has been developed for the measurement of phase objects. The LCPDI uses the compact, robust design of Linnik's point diffraction interferometer and adds to it phase stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wave-fronts. A solid state camera provides very high data density and automated data reduction. The instrument can measure either transparent objects like fluids and lenses, or highly reflective opaque objects like mirrors. In the former case, the refractive index distribution is measured and then related to various properties like temperature, density, chemical composition, or thickness. In the latter case, the measured phase distribution is related to the object shape. The objects measured must be stationary or quasisteady state because the measurement requires the acquisition of several frames of image data during which time the object's properties must not have changed. The data acquisition time depends on the speed of the frame grabber and the required number of data frames. Typically, three to five frames taking 1 to 2 seconds are required. The potential for faster data acquisition exists.

Document ID

19960002341

Acquisition Source

Headquarters

Document Type

Conference Paper

Authors

Date Acquired

September 6, 2013

Publication Date

October 1, 1995

Subject Category

Report/Patent Number

Accession Number

96N12349

Funding Number(s)

Distribution Limits

Public

Public Use Permitted.

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19960002341.pdf

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