Use of a Sm/sup 3+/-doped fiber as a low-coherence light source

A Sm/sup 3+/-doped fiber pumped by an Ar-ion laser can produce a low coherence, visible light source for white light interferometric use. By the use of two spectral filters, a two wavelength combination source can also be generated flexibly and efficiently. This fiber light source is compatible with other fiber components in the optical sensor system, has good coupling efficiency into single mode fibers and high spatial coherence thus showing significant potential for this family of doped fibers, for use in white light interferometric sensor applications.<
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