Laser vibrometer based on optical-feedback-induced frequency modulation of a single-mode laser diode

Abstract

We describe a sensitive and inexpensive vibrometer based on optical feedback by diffuse scattering to a single-mode diode laser. Fluctuations in the diode laser’s operating frequency that are due to scattered light from a vibrating surface are used to detect the amplitude and frequency of surface vibrations. An additional physical vibration of the laser provides an absolute amplitude calibration. The fundamental bandwidth is determined by the laser response time of roughly 10⁻⁹ s. A noise floor of 0.23 nm/Hz^1/2 at 30 kHz with 5 × 10⁻⁵ of the incident light returning is demonstrated. This instrument provides an inexpensive and sensitive method of noncontact measurement in solid materials with low or uneven reflectivity. It can be used as a vibration or velocity sensor.

© 1996 Optical Society of America

Backscatter-modulated laser diode for low-frequency small-amplitude vibration measurement

T. Gharbi, A. Courteville, and A. Chebbour
Appl. Opt. 36(31) 8233-8237 (1997)

Amplitude-stabilized frequency-modulated laser diode and its interferometric sensing applications

Yoshitaka Takahashi, Toshihiko Yoshino, and Nobuyuki Ohde
Appl. Opt. 36(24) 5881-5887 (1997)

Laser Doppler vibrometer employing active frequency feedback

Akobuije Chijioke and John Lawall
Appl. Opt. 47(27) 4952-4958 (2008)

Single-mode diode laser with a large frequency-scanning range based on weak grating feedback

Shaozheng Jin, Yongqing Li, and Min Xiao
Appl. Opt. 35(9) 1436-1441 (1996)

Nonlinear laser dynamics induced by frequency shifted optical feedback: application to vibration measurements

Vadim Girardeau, Carolina Goloni, Olivier Jacquin, Olivier Hugon, Mehdi Inglebert, and Eric Lacot
Appl. Opt. 55(34) 9638-9647 (2016)