Improving the linearity of the Michelson interferometric angular measurement by a parameter compensation method

A parameter compensation method is developed to improve the linearity of the Michelson interferometric angular measurement. The formulas for the exact calculation of the parameters are presented; different cases are discussed. By introducing a weight function in the calculation, we can change the distribution of the linearity over the whole range of measurement. The theoretical analysis and the experimental results show that this method greatly improves the linearity of the measurement even for a large range of measurement.

New optical method for measuring small-angle rotations

To measure small-angle rotations, the two mirrors of a Michelson interferometer are replaced by right-angle prisms. Rotation of the latter shifts the interference pattern. Measurement of that shift gives, after calibration, the rotation. The experimental setup is insensitive to vibrations, provides good linearity between +5 degrees and -5 degrees , and has a resolution of 10(-4) deg.