Design and Development of a Laser Wavemeter.
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis project is to design and fabricate a wavemeter suitable for measuring the wavelength of visible, continuous wave laser emissions. After a review of the literature, a moving-arm Michelson interferometer was selected as the basis for the wavemeter. A twice folded path is used in the moving arm and electronic fringe rate multiplication is used in the counting circuit to improve system accuracy without increasing its overall size. A Z-80 based microcomputer is incorporated in the system for control and calculation purposes. Its use allows corrections to be made for the dispersion of air when the vacuum wavelength is calculated. Constraints on the wavemeter subsystems are derived from the basic design specifications. A description of the final design, including detailed information on the air rail, the fringe counting circuits, and the wavelength calculation algorithms, is presented. The portions of the wavemeter that were constructed are evaluated in regard to how well they meet the design specifications. Problems in stabilizing the detected fringe signals prevented completion of the wavemeter. Recommendations are made concerning additional work that must be done to complete its fabrication.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA124759
Entities
People
- Harry W. Ladewig
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology