Measurement of a Michelson Interferometer Mirror Velocity With a Time Interval Analyzer

Abstract

This report documents the design, construction, and implementation of a time interval analyzer (TIA). The TIA is a precision counter that measures the dynamic variation in the time intervals (i.e., frequency) of a signal. The helium-neon (HeNe) laser signal from the servo mirror control circuitry of the interferometer provides a nearly constant frequency source. The HeNe signal frequency is directly proportional to the interferometer mirror velocity. A constant velocity is crucial for the proper operation of a Michelson interferometer, which is used in a Fourier transform spectrometer. The TIA provides a critical evaluation of velocity variations in a single interferometer mirror scan via analysis of the HeNe laser signal. Time interval counter, Time interval analyzer, Fourier transform spectroscopy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA263009

Entities

People

  • C. T. Cathey
  • R. B. Knapp
  • R. J. Combs

Organizations

  • Edgewood Chemical Biological Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Analyzers
  • Circuit Boards
  • Circuits
  • Corporations
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Frequency
  • Helium Neon Lasers
  • Interferometers
  • Lasers
  • Light Sources
  • Measurement
  • Michelson Interferometers
  • Simulators
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Time Intervals
  • Wiring Diagrams

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy