We present a novel precise angle measurement scheme based on parallel multiplex laser feedback interferometry （PLFI）, which outputs two parallel laser beams and thus their displacement difference reflects the angle variation of the target. Due to its ultrahigh sensitivity to the feedback light, PLFI realizes the direct non-contact measurement of non- cooperative targets. Experimental results show that PLFI has an accuracy of 8＂ within a range of 1400＂. The yaw of a guide is also measured and the experimental results agree with those of the dual-frequency laser interferometer Agilent 5529A.
The polarization state is modulated by tilting birefringence component placed in the feedback external cavity.The variation of the polarization state in one period of modulation is found to be similar to sine wave.The periods become increasingly smaller.The maximum of variation in one period decreases against the rotated angle.The experimental phenomenon is subjected to the change of optical path and secondary reflection.The phenomenon is analyzed theoretically based on geometrical optics and crystal optics.High-accuracy measurements of absolute and relative angles can be realized based on the experimental phenomenon.The angle resolution is 0.1 arcsec in theory.
Optical-phase-retardation elements are widely used in many fields.Accurate measurement of their phase retardation is crucial to the practical effect of the element's processing and application.The development and present situation of the methods for optical phase retardation measurement are reviewed,with the wave plate,the most typical phase-retardation element,as an example.The latest research progress in this field is introduced;the principles and characteristics of individual measurement method are summarized and discussed.Three new methods based on laser frequency splitting or laser feedback are presented in detail,in which the laser is not only regarded as a light source but also plays a role of sensor.Moreover,no standard wave plates are needed and arbitrary phase retardation can be measured.Traceability,high precision and high repeatability are achieved as well.
In this paper, we propose a semi-classical theory to successfully explain the polarization flipping in a single frequency laser. An experimental setup is built to verify this theory. The observed experimental phenomena are consistent with the theoretical analysis. We perform phase retardation measurements of birefringent components using this experimental system. The results show that the measurement repeatability is 0.12° and the measurement accuracy is 0.22°.
