This book is intended as an introduction to the use of interferometric tech- niques for precision measurements in science and engineering. It is aimed at peo- ple who have some knowledge of optics but little or no previous experience in interferometry. Accordingly, the presentation has been specifically designed to make it easier for readers to find and assimilate the material they need.
The book can be divided into two parts. The first part covers such topics as interference in thin films and thick plates and the most common types of interfer- ometers. This is followed by a review of interference phenomena with extended sources and white light, and multiple-beam interference. Laser light sources for interferometry and the various types of photodetectors are discussed.
The second part covers some important applications of optical interferometry: measurements of length, optical testing, studies of refractive index fields, interfer- ence microscopy, holographic and speckle interferometry, interferometric sensors, interference spectroscopy, and Fourier transform spectroscopy. The last chapter discusses the problems of setting up an interferometer, considers whether to buy or build one, and offers some suggestions.