Interferometer and methods for compensation of dispersion or increase in spectral resolution of such an interferometer

US6249350A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Dultz · Frankfurt am Main, DE
• Erna Frins · Montevideo, UY
• Bernd Hils · Königstein, DE
• Heidrun Schmitzer · Grünhain, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 9, 1999
• Grant date: Jun 19, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 9, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01B2290/70
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A double-beam interferometer for electromagnetic radiation and a method for the compensation of dispersion or increase in the spectral resolution of such an interferometer. Using a polarizer, which is brought into the optical radiation path, a defined polarization state P.sub.1/2.sup.0 is produced for the electromagnetic partial waves flowing into the arms of the interferometer. This polarization state is wavelength-independent and can vary for both partial beams. Optical elements modify the polarization state P.sub.1/2.sup.0 of the electromagnetic partial waves as a function of wavelength .lambda. and each spectral component .lambda..sub.i is coded with a polarization P.sub.1/2 (.lambda.i). An analyzer, fitted to the output of the interferometer, transmits an adjustable polarization state P.sub.det, whereby an additional wavelength-dependent phase difference .gamma.(.lambda.) occurs between the partial waves of the spectral components. .gamma.(.lambda.) can be adjusted to obtain compensation of dispersion or an increase in the spectral resolution of the interferometer.