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Title: Random errors in interferometry with the least-squares method

Journal Article · · Applied Optics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.50.000246· OSTI ID:22036567

This investigation analyzes random errors in interferometric surface profilers using the least-squares method when random noises are present. Two types of random noise are considered here: intensity noise and position noise. Two formulas have been derived for estimating the standard deviations of the surface height measurements: one is for estimating the standard deviation when only intensity noise is present, and the other is for estimating the standard deviation when only position noise is present. Measurements on simulated noisy interferometric data have been performed, and standard deviations of the simulated measurements have been compared with those theoretically derived. The relationships have also been discussed between random error and the wavelength of the light source and between random error and the amplitude of the interference fringe.

OSTI ID:
22036567
Journal Information:
Applied Optics, Vol. 50, Issue 3; Other Information: (c) 2011 Optical Society of America; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6935
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English