Wavelength-shift interferometry for distance measurements using the Fourier transform technique for fringe analysis

The Fourier transform technique, originally developed for spatial fringe pattern analysis, has been applied to the analysis of a temporal fringe signal obtained by a wavelength-shift interferometer used for absolute distance measurements. It has been shown that the error caused by the nonlinear and time-varying current-wavelength characteristic of the laser diode can be removed by combining the Fourier transform technique with the reference technique. A novel technique for distance measurement based on multiple-beam interferometry has been proposed, and an experimental demonstration is given for a three-beam interferometer that includes a reference reflector as an integral part of the system. Error sources and the limitation of the technique are discussed.