When the first edition of Optical Interferometry was published, interferometry was regarded as a rather esoteric method of making measurements, largely confined to the laboratory. Today, however, besides its use in several fields of research, it has applications in fields as diverse as measurement of length and velocity, sensors for rotation, acceleration, vibration and electrical and magnetic fields, as well as in microscopy and nanotechnology. Most topics are discussed first at a level accessible to anyone with a basic knowledge of physical optics, then a more detailed treatment of the topic is undertaken, and finally each topic is supplemented by a reference list of more than 1000 selected original publications in total. - Historical development of interferometry - The laser as a light source - Two-beam interference - Techniques for frequency stabilization - Coherence - Electronic phase measurements - Multiple-beam interference - Quantum effects in optical interference - Extensive coverage of the applications of interferometry, such as measurements of length, optical testing, interference microscopy, interference spectroscopy, Fourier-transform spectroscopy, interferometric sensors, nonlinear interferometers, stellar interferometry, and studies of space-time and gravitation

Nanotechnology, sensor and measurement industries depend on these advances in optical interferometry for accuracy and profitability.

This book is for those who have some knowledge of optics, but little or no previous experience in interferometry. Accordingly, the carefully designed presentation helps readers easily find and assimilate the interferometric techniques they need for precision measurements. Mathematics is held to a minimum, and the topics covered are also summarized in capsule overviews at the beginning and end of each chapter. Each chapter also contains a set of worked problems that give a feel for numbers.The first five chapters present a clear tutorial review of fundamentals. Chapters six and seven discuss the types of lasers and photodetectors used in interferometry. The next eight chapters describe key applications of interferometry: measurements of length, optical testing, studies of refractive index fields, interference microscopy, holographic and speckle interferometry, interferometric sensors, interference spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform spectroscopy. The final chapter offers suggestions on choosing and setting up an interferometer.

Holographic and speckle interferometry are optical techniques which use lasers to make non-contracting field view measurements at a sensitivity of the wavelength of light on optically rough (i.e. non-mirrored) surfaces. They may be used to measure static or dynamic displacements, the shape of objects, and refractive index variations of transparent media. As such, these techniques have been applied to the solution of a wide range of problems in strain and vibrational analysis, non-destructive testing (NDT), component inspection and design analysis and fluid flow visualisation. This book provides a self-contained, unified, theoretical analysis of the basic principles and associated opto-electronic techniques (for example Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry). In addition, a detailed discussion of experimental design and practical application to the solution of physical problems is presented. In this new edition, the authors have taken the opportunity to include a much more coherent description of more than twenty individual case studies that are representative of the main uses to which the techniques are put. The Bibliography has also been brought up to date.

During the last two decades, optical stellar interferometry has become an important tool in astronomical investigations requiring spatial resolution well beyond that of traditional telescopes. This book, first published in 2006, was the first to be written on the subject. The authors provide an extended introduction discussing basic physical and atmospheric optics, which establishes the framework necessary to present the ideas and practice of interferometry as applied to the astronomical scene. They follow with an overview of historical, operational and planned interferometric observatories, and a selection of important astrophysical discoveries made with them. Finally, they present some as-yet untested ideas for instruments both on the ground and in space which may allow us to image details of planetary systems beyond our own.

A practical guide for engineers and students that covers a wide range of optical design and optical metrology topics Optical Engineering Science offers a comprehensive and authoritative review of the science of optical engineering. The book bridges the gap between the basic theoretical principles of classical optics and the practical application of optics in the commercial world. Written by a noted expert in the field, the book examines a range of practical topics that are related to optical design, optical metrology and manufacturing. The book fills a void in the literature by coving all three topics in a single volume. Optical engineering science is at the foundation of the design of commercial optical systems, such as mobile phone cameras and digital cameras as well as highly sophisticated instruments for commercial and research applications. It spans the design, manufacture and testing of space or aerospace instrumentation to the optical sensor technology for environmental monitoring. Optics engineering science has a wide variety of applications, both commercial and research. This important book: Offers a comprehensive review of the topic of optical engineering Covers topics such as optical fibers, waveguides, aspheric surfaces, Zernike polynomials, polarisation, birefringence and more Targets engineering professionals and students Filled with illustrative examples and mathematical equations Written for professional practitioners, optical engineers, optical designers, optical systems engineers and students, Optical Engineering Science offers an authoritative guide that covers the broad range of optical design and optical metrology topics and their applications.

Authored by a highly regarded international researcher and pioneer in the field, An Introduction to Quantum Optics: Photon and Biphoton Physics is a straightforward overview of basic principles and experimental evidence for the quantum theory of light. This book introduces and analyzes some of the most exciting experimental research to date in the field of quantum optics and quantum information, helping readers understand the revolutionary changes occurring in optical science. Paints a picture of light in terms of general quantum interference, to reflect the physical truth behind all optical observations Unlike most traditional books on the subject, this one introduces fundamental classical and quantum concepts and measurement techniques naturally and gradually as it explores the process of analyzing typical experimental observations. Separating itself from other books with this uncommon focus on the experimental part of analysis, this volume: Provides a general overview of the optical coherence of light without quantization Introduces concepts and tools of field quantization and quantum optics based on the principles and rules of quantum mechanics Analyzes similarities and differences between classical and quantum coherence Concentrates on key research topics in quantum optics Explains photon and biphoton physics by examining the devices and experimental procedures used to test theories This book is basic enough for students, but it also covers a broad range of higher-level concepts that will benefit scientists and other professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of practical and theoretical aspects and new experimental methods of measurement. This material summarizes exciting developments and observations and then helps readers of all levels apply presented concepts and tools to summarize, analyze, and resolve quantum optical problems in their own work. It is a great aid to improve methods of discovering new physics and better understand and apply nontraditional concepts and interpretations in both new and historical experimental discoveries.

A practically focused guide to optical interferometry, bringing together core concepts needed to plan observations, analyse data and reconstruct images.

Machine Vision technology is becoming an indispensible part of the manufacturing industry. Biomedical and scientific applications of machine vision and imaging are becoming more and more sophisticated, and new applications continue to emerge. This book gives an overview of ongoing research in machine vision and presents the key issues of scientific and practical interest. A selected board of experts from the US, Japan and Europe provides an insight into some of the latest work done on machine vision systems and appliccations.