The noise and performance limitations of optical sensors that utilize Fabry–Perot interferometry detection are investigated. A Fabry–Perot interferometer consists of two partially transparent parallel plates with reflective inner surfaces. The plates form a cavity with an optical resonance that depends on the distance between them. At resonant wavelengths, the incident light energy is transmitt...

Leaf stomatal characteristics of Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) were investigated by electron microscopy and white light scanning interferometry. On the basis of average annual precipitations, two types of tree specimens were collected from Korea, China, and Mongolia: (1) trees under normal environmental conditions and (2) trees under arid conditions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy re...

We demonstrate light-pulse atom interferometry with large-momentum-transfer atom optics based on stimulated Raman transitions and frequency-swept adiabatic rapid passage. Our atom optics have produced momentum splittings of up to 30 photon recoil momenta in an acceleration-sensitive interferometer for laser cooled atoms. We experimentally verify the enhancement of phase shift per unit accelerat...

In atom interferometry based on light-induced diffraction, the optical aberrations of the laser beam splitters are a dominant source of noise and systematic effect. In an atomic gyroscope, this effect is dramatically reduced by the use of two atomic sources. But it remains critical while coupled to fluctuations of atomic trajectories, and appears as a main source of noise to the long term stabi...

By using a systematic optimization approach, we determine quantum states of light with definite photon number leading to the best possible precision in optical two-mode interferometry. Our treatment takes into account the experimentally relevant situation of photon losses. Our results thus reveal the benchmark for precision in optical interferometry. Although this boundary is generally worse th...

Introduction Since the mid-1990s the search for extra-solar, terrestrial planets (called ‘exo-planets’ hereafter for brevity), and the possibility of life on them has received much attention. Both ESA and NASA are studying space-based telescopes that will enable the scientific community to conduct such a search. The most promising technology that will allow the detection of exoplanets and the s...

We describe basic principles of wavelength-tuning interferometry and demonstrate its application in ophthalmology. The advantage of this technique compared with conventional low-coherence interferometry ranging is the simultaneous measurement of the object structure without the need for a moving reference mirror. Shifting the wavelength of an external-cavity tunable laser diode causes intensity...

Time-resolved interferometry, surface light-scattering imaging, and optical microscopic imaging have been developed and applied to research on amorphous and multicrystalline films upon intense pulsed excitation. Nanosecond interferometry of neat polystyrene film gives interesting expansion dynamics followed by complete recovery. Femtosecond surface light-scattering imaging reveals the roughenin...