Interferometer for measurements of optical properties in bulk samples

摘要

There is provided a method and apparatus for measuring the optical properties of bulk samples. A probe laser beam is fed into the two arms of the apparatus, a reference arm and a measurement arm, both of which contain optical fiber to conduct the laser lights. The measurement arm includes a free space area for mounting a sample to be tested. The probe beam is directed into the sample in free space. The sample also receives light in free space, rather than via the optical fiber, from a second, pump laser. The interaction of the sample and the pump laser affect the optical properties of the sample. This change in optical properties can be detected by comparing the output signals from the measurement and reference arms. <IMAGE>