Holographic Interferometry: A Mach–Zehnder Approach

Abstract

Mach–Zehnder holographic interferometry approach is a part of holographic interferometry, the science which describes methods of visualizing and measuring different transparent objects by advanced interference techniques. The distinguishing feature of the approach in comparison with ordinary optical holographic interferometry is that, for the purpose of recording holograms on photosensitive carriers, it uses materials and devices having a low resolving power. In this book, only standard photographic films and CCD/CMOS sensors will be discussed as the carriers of photosensitivity. It should be emphasized that, despite low resolving powers, the Mach–Zehnder holographic approach demonstrates all the fundamental opportunities characteristic of ordinary optical holographic interferometry. Analysis of those opportunities will be done in the first and second chapters. First of all, the location of Mach–Zehnder holographic interferometry in the system of diagnostic techniques of transparent objects is outlined. Among different physical objects under study, there exists a very interesting and challenging class of transparent objects. Laser physicists and aerospace engineers encounter them during their everyday routine experimental practice. In aerodynamic applications, such objects are compressible flow fields and shock flows, laminar and turbulent convection flows, jets, and droplet sprays. In noncoherent laser–matter interactions, they include shocks; thermal and acoustic waves in solids, liquids, and gases; different types of plasmas arising due to the processes of optical breakdowns in solids, liquids, and gases; laser interactions with a solid surface in vacuum and atmosphere of gases, etc.