Optical phase measurement of target

摘要

Optical phase detection includes generating a first wavelength having a first polarization and a second lightwave having a polarization that is offset from the first polarization, and imposing (52) a relative delay between the first and second lightwaves. The relative delay causes a frequency offset between the lightwaves as wavelength is tuned over a designated wavelength range. Directing (54) the first and second lightwaves to a target (T) provides a third lightwave and a fourth lightwave. A polarization component of the third lightwave and a polarization component of the fourth lightwave are detected (56) to provide a detected signal at the frequency offset. The optical phase detection then includes extracting (58) a phase difference, induced by the target, between the polarization components of the third and the fourth lightwaves.