Laser Doppler velocimeter with a novel optical fiber probe

A practical laser Doppler velocimeter with optical fibers in the whole system was developed. The novel optical probe designed for this LDV is constructed of a graded-index rod lens attached to the end of an optical fiber. Since the laser beam from the probe is well collimated, the velocity accuracy and sensitivity are significantly improved. Mechanical vibration measurements were also carried out with this LDV; vibration amplitude down to 1.0 microm p-p can be measured at a frequency of 120 Hz with high accuracy.