ELECTRO-OPTICS  LABORATORY

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

General configuration for using the longitudinal spatial coherence effect

Mark Gokhler, Joseph Rosen

The Fourier relation between the longitudinal degree of coherence and the radial intensity distribution of a light source can be demonstrated by two configurations of a low spatial-coherence interferometer. We propose a general configuration, which includes the two known types as special cases of the general design. Moreover, by adjusting the distance between the light source and the main lens of the interferometer we can apparently narrow the peak of coherence beyond its known limit. This result might have consequences on the resolution limits of the low spatial-coherence interferometer.

Publication language English
Pages 22-28
Journal Optics Communications
Volume 252
Issue number 1-3
Publication status Published - 01.08.2005

Keywords

Coherence
Fourier transforms
Interferometry
Low coherence interferometer
Optical coherence tomography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Electrical and Electronic Engineering