Apparatus and method of monitoring and measurement using spectral low coherence interferometry
US8678594B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B9/0209
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A spectral interferometry apparatus and method are disclosed, that can be used to monitor or measure an unknown length by following a characteristic of an indicating signal. The measurement is performed by adjusting an optical path difference (OPD) in an interferometer part of an interferometer configuration until sound or light or both are obtained with the desired strength and pitch. Embodiments are presented where the unknown length is the eye length. Spectral interrogation of the interferometer optical output is achieved by reading the signal of an analogue photodetector array in a spectrometer or by tuning a swept source and processing the signal of a photodetector. Sound of different pitches are produced either directly in this process, or by using a nonlinear amplifier, or a mixer. For enhanced signal, the array may be driven by a nonlinear clock or the swept source may be driven by a distorted driving signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.