Method for measuring an optical length of light path and a laser interferometer for carrying same into effect

摘要

A method for measuring an optical length of light path based on use of multiple-beam interference of light and carried into effect by forming an original light beam with two collinear components having mutually independent polarizations and different frequencies in such a manner that when forming each of the following interfering light beams from the preceding one, polarizations of the light components having different frequencies are mutually converted, whereupon the interfered light is converted into an electric signal and its phase is measured, by which the light path optical length is determined. A laser interferometer carrying said method into effect comprises: a laser and arranged consecutively along the direction of run of the light beam: a device for offsetting the frequency of one of the light components, reflecting elements, a polarizing element for separating the light of the interfering beams according to polarization, and a photoelectric converter of the interfered light into an electric signal, as well as a unit for measuring the phase of an electric signal, connected to the photoelectric converter and also a birefringent plate located between the reflecting elements and adapted for mutual conversion of polarizations of the two light components.