Optical interferometry is a powerful technique used in various scientific disciplines to study and measure the properties of light waves and objects. It involves the interference of light waves, which occurs when two or more light waves combine to create a pattern of alternating bright and dark regions. By manipulating the phase and intensity of the interfering waves, optical interferometry enables precise measurements of distances, shapes, and other physical quantities. It has found applications in fields such as astronomy, microscopy, and spectroscopy, allowing scientists to investigate objects at unprecedented levels of detail and accuracy. Optical interferometry has revolutionized our understanding of the universe, revealing the intricate structures of celestial bodies and facilitating breakthroughs in fields ranging from quantum mechanics to nanotechnology.
In 3DOptix cloud-based simulation tool, one can utilize the plethora of simulation capabilities and analyses to validate the optical elements and systems. In the following, we share several examples.
Mach-Zehnder interferometer: An interference pattern occurs by illuminating the coherent irradiance of both exits of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. If one adds a 550nm thick BK7 sample that crosses one of the arms beams, fringes of half period () phase shift is formed. Interesting to note that the fringes at both exits are orthogonally oriented one to another and also phase shifted. This is due to the time-reversal symmetry of Maxwell equations.
