Abstract

A Mach-Zehnder interferometer illuminated by a CO₂ laser at wavelengths selectable between 9.1 μ and 11.3 μ is described. With a field of view 22 mm in diameter two-dimensional interferograms are recorded. The method uses liquid crystals for ir-optical image conversion. With the small laser used, an exposure time of $\frac{1}{40}$ sec is required, while the steady state resolution limit of the detector is a radiation flux of less than 5 mW/cm². The interference pattern of an argon plasma jet is shown.

© 1970 Optical Society of America

Large cross-section pulsed TEA-CO₂ interferometer for plasma diagnostics

J. L. Lachambre, R. Decoste, and A. Robert
Appl. Opt. 21(14) 2538-2540 (1982)

Scanned Laser Infrared Microscope

B. Sherman and J. F. Black
Appl. Opt. 9(4) 802-809 (1970)

Infrared detection of liquids on terrestrial surfaces by CO₂ laser heating

Arthur H. Carrieri
Appl. Opt. 29(33) 4907-4913 (1990)

The Lensing Effect of CO₂ Laser Plasma

H. K. V. Lotsch and W. C. Davis
Appl. Opt. 9(12) 2725-2728 (1970)

Far Infrared Airborne Spectroscopy

J. A. Eddy, R. H. Lee, P. J. Léna, and R. M. MacQueen
Appl. Opt. 9(2) 439-446 (1970)