DIY Interferometer Optics Kits for Laser Measurement Readouts uMD0 uMD1 uMD2

Description: This are sets of parts to construct interferometers with retro-reflectors in several configurations for measuring either displacement, differential displacement, or angle that is compatible with one and two frequency red (usually HeNe) lasers and the µMD0, µMD1, or µMD2 measurement displays. Unstabilized (common) red HeNes may also be used if the Path Length Difference (PLD) between the two arms of the interferometer including traversal through the interferometer optics is less than a few cm. All should be capable of displacement measurements of a few dozen nm or angle measurements of a fraction of an arcsec depending on version. 1. The BASIC KIT consists of:1 each: 1/2 inch Polarizing Beam-Splitter Cube (PBSC).2 each: 1/2 inch diameter unmounted metal-coated cube-corner trihedral prism RetroReflector (RR).1 each: Small first surface Planar Mirror (PM). This is intended as a 45 degree turning mirror to direct the return beam to the detector.These parts may be used to construct ONLY a Linear Interferometer as shown in its accompanying diagram. For something like a class project, that may be the only configuration needed and can also be used with a Michelson interferometer demonstration setup. 2. The STANDARD KIT consists of: 1 each 1/2 inch Polarizing Beam-Splitter Cube (PBSC).2 each: 1/2 inch diameter unmounted metal-coated cube-corner trihedral prism RetroReflector (RR).2 each: 1/2 inch diameter unmounted Quarter WavePlates (QWP) made from optical quality mica. These are extremely thin and fragile. Therefore, a means of mounting them must be provided (not included). Typically this can be a plastic or metal washer, or something similar with a hole slightly smaller than 1/2 inch.1 each: first surface Planar Mirror (large). The "large" mirror is 1/2x1/2" and may be attached to a cheezy somewhat kinematic adjustable mount (second from last photo), but can be easily removed and used separately, and the mount may be used for other purposes.1 each: first surface Planar Mirror (small). This is intended as a 45 degree turning mirror to direct the return beam to the detector. All except for the very last configuration in the diagrams can be constructed using these parts except that the Modified Straightness Interferometer would require some additional larger plane mirrors (NOT included but may be available).3. The DELUXE KIT ADDS the following parts to those of the STANDARD KIT:1 each: 1/2 inch Polarizing Beam-Splitter Cube (PBSC).2 each: 1 inch diameter unmounted metal-coated cube-corner trihedral prism RetroReflector (RR).2 each: 1/2 inch diameter unmounted Quarter WavePlates (QWP) made from optical quality mica.1 each: first surface Planar Mirror (giant). The "giant" mirror is 3/4x13/4" and may be attached to a very cheezy somewhat kinematic adjustable mount (last photo), but can be removed and used separately though this may be challenging. The last diagram shows an example of a full size (e.g., like one from HP) Linear Interferometer but built with the pair of PBSs and the 1" CCs. Extensions to other standard configurations would be similar.The components in these kits can be used for non-metrology interferometry applications but are intended for red lasers, generally HeNe lasers at 633 nm. The laser, optical receiver, and measurement display are NOT included in this kit, but see my other listings. The following describes options for the STANDARD KIT; The deluxe version adds obvious extensions. The BASIC KIT can only do the Linear Interferometer. For displacement measurements, the components can be configured as a Single Beam Interferometer or as a Linear or Plane Mirror Interferometer for 3 mm or smaller beams. Linear Interferometer:One of the RRs is attached to the PBSC as the reference reflector.The other RR is used on the moving stage.Single Beam Interferometer:The PBSC is configured with the QWPs on two of its faces along with one 1/2 inch retroreflector.The second cube corner would be used as the remote retroreflector.The mirrors do not need to be used.Plane Mirror Interferometer:Both of the RRs are attached on opposite sides of the PBSC.The larger thicker PM is mounted on the moving stage.The smaller thinner PM is used to divert the return beam to the optical receiver (not included).Angular Interferometer:The PBSC is configured with the QWPs on two of its faces.The larger thicker mirror is mounted at a 45 degree angle to direct the beam reflected from the PBSC to the Angular Reflector. The Angular Reflector consists of the two RRs mounted with the same spacing as the two beams from the PBSC and 45 degree mirror. The beam spacing can be approximately 3/4 inch or larger. A larger beam spacing increases angle sensitivity. The spacing between the cubes and retroreflectors must match. For differential measurements, it would be configured either way (above) except that the retroreflectors would move independently. Other configurations are possible including Straightness, but additional parts may be required. One of the PBSCs and QWPs oriented at 45 degrees can also be set up as a "poor man's optical isolator" for linearly polarized 633 nm lasers. With care, the forward to reverse ratio can exceed 100:1. However, for these interferometers, there should be minimal back-reflections so an isolator is generally not needed. To complete this unit will require fabricating a mounts for the various components in the desired configuration or glue them together. Here's a great use for that 3-D printer you bought and have not figured out what to do with it. ;-) OK, so ABS plastic won't be super stable but should be good enough for testing. :) Lower tech approaches will work also. Note that when configured for angle, this setup is known to be compatible with the µMD measurement displays (see my other listings) but the non-standard default spacing may need to be entered explicitly. For commercial displays where a non-standard spacing cannot be specified, mount the two cubes and retro-reflectors with the standard spacing. More information on interferometer measurement systems can be found in Sam's Laser FAQ and at http://repairfaq.cis.upenn.edu/Misc/lipm/lipm.htm. For all versions, the mirrors have been removed from optical scanners so there may be some slight blemishes, but they won't affect their performance. All other parts are new. Returns accepted ONLY all parts are in original condition. Thanks for looking, --- sam

Price: 65 USD

Location: Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-03-01T12:51:43.000Z

Shipping Cost: 10.6 USD