Abstract

A simple Michelson interferometer with an inexpensive white light source (halogen lamp) can be used to completely determine the dispersion characteristics of optical materials (glass or mirror) when the material is placed in the stationary arm of the interferometer and the other arm is lengthened by means of a motor-driven screw. The Fourier transform of the digitally sampled interference pattern gives the necessary phase information, which can be used to determine the group velocity, group velocity dispersion, and even higher order terms. Simultaneous recording of a He–Ne laser passing through the same interferometer is needed to monitor the optical path.

© 1992 Optical Society of America