Phase modulation interferometer for ICF target characterization

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1982 · J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.571547· OSTI ID:5648556

Cooper, D E

Characterization requirements for high gain laser fusion targets are severe. We are required to detect defects on the surfaces of opaque and transparent shells with an amplitude resolution of +- 5 nm and a spatial resolution of 1--10 ..mu..m. To achieve this we have developed a laser-illuminated phase-modulation interferometer. This instrument is based on a photoelastic polarization modulation technique which allows one to convert phase information into an intensity modulation which can be easily and sensitively measured using ac signal processing techniques. This interferometer has detected path length changes as small as 1 nm and the required spatial resolution is assured by using a microscope objective to focus the probe laser beam down to a small (approx.1 ..mu..m) spot on the surface of a microballoon. The interferometer will soon be coupled to an LSI--11 controlled 4..pi.. sphere manipulator which will allow us to automatically inspect the entire surface area of a target sphere.

• Research Organization: University of California, Los Alamos National Laboratory, P. O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• OSTI ID: 5648556
• Journal Information: J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 20:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
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DEFECTS
INTERFEROMETRY
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PHASE OSCILLATIONS
POLARIZATION
BEAM DYNAMICS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
OSCILLATIONS
TARGETS
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