Measurement of the Degree of Coherence in Nonmonochromatic Light

Abstract

A method is described for measuring the degree of coherence,γ₁₂(τ), of two points in a plane illuminated, directly or through an optical system, by a nonmonochromatic source. The vibrations from the two points are superposed by means of a birefringent system. The degree of coherence can be determined from the measurements of intensity in the region of superposition. The positions of the two points for which γ₁₂(τ) is to be measured and the time delay τ between the interfering vibrations can be varied easily by suitably displacing the birefringent element. Experimental results are compared with the theoretical values.

© 1969 Optical Society of America

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