Analyzing algorithms for nonlinear and spatially nonuniform phase shifts in the liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer. 1998 summer research program for high school juniors at the University of Rochester`s Laboratory for Laser Energetics: Student research reports

Technical Report · Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/362525· OSTI ID:362525

Jain, N ^[1]

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1. Pittsford Sutherland High School, NY (United States)

Phase-shifting interferometry has many advantages, and the phase shifting nature of the Liquid Crystal Point Diffraction Interferometer (LCPDI) promises to provide significant improvement over other current OMEGA wavefront sensors. However, while phase-shifting capabilities improve its accuracy as an interferometer, phase-shifting itself introduces errors. Phase-shifting algorithms are designed to eliminate certain types of phase-shift errors, and it is important to chose an algorithm that is best suited for use with the LCPDI. Using polarization microscopy, the authors have observed a correlation between LC alignment around the microsphere and fringe behavior. After designing a procedure to compare phase-shifting algorithms, they were able to predict the accuracy of two particular algorithms through computer modeling of device-specific phase shift-errors.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, Lab. for Laser Energetics, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FC03-92SF19460
• OSTI ID: 362525
• Report Number(s): DOE/SF/19460-299-Pt.4; ON: DE99003384; TRN: AHC29926%%180
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: Mar 1999
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION
OMEGA FACILITY
NEODYMIUM LASERS
INTERFEROMETERS
PHASE SHIFT
BEAM MONITORS
LASER RADIATION
ALGORITHMS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ERRORS
ALIGNMENT
DIRECT DRIVE LASER IMPLOSION