Effect of laser-diode power change on optical heterodyne interferometry

A dynamic interferometer with a frequency-ramped laser diode (LD) has been constructed that is based on an optical heterodyne technique. Effect of LD power change on the optical heterodyne interferometry has been investigated theoretically and experimentally. A general formulation of the interferometry has been presented in which the demodulation scheme is analyzed in the frequency domain by Fourier-transforming a beat signal. Phase errors caused by the LD-power variation alter sinusoidally with the same period as the interference beat signal. The error can be eliminated by using an amplitude-stabilized, frequency-modulated laser diode source in the interferometer. The stabilization of the LD amplitude can be achieved by a feedback system with a superluminescent diode as an external light-power controller.<
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