Keywords

spectrometer, optics laboratory, light sources

Abstract

We describe a Fourier-transform spectrometer appropriate for use in an undergraduate optics laboratory. The modular design, which uses off-the-shelf equipment, is suitable for determining the spectra of ultrashort pulsed and continuous light sources. The spectrometer does not require equal step sizes for the motion of the mirror. An algorithm interpolates the phase of both a reference and an unknown light beam at equal intervals before performing the Fourier transform. The interferometer scan and the phase and spectral analysis are performed in a few seconds, making the apparatus a useful tool for teaching concepts of temporal coherence and Fourier spectroscopy.

Original Publication Citation

J. Peatross and S. D. Bergeson, "Fourier spectroscopy of ultrashort laser pulses," Am. J. Physics 74, 842 - 845 (26)

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2006-09-01

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/1294

Publisher

AIP

Language

English

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Share

COinS