Abstract

In the paper two different approaches for spatial coherence measurement are discussed. The usage of a special optical element (specklegram of shift) in the scheme of Young interferometer essentially raises a relative aperture of the optical device and allows one by an evident way to study the spatial coherence of light and to measure radius of spatial coherence. It is shown with use of the Michelson interferometer that the consideration of mutual spatial shift of interfering fields allows one to connect directly the spatial distribution of fringe visibility in the area of their localization with the function of a spatial coherence. The theoretical estimations and experimental results for longitudinal distribution of fringe visibility in the area of localization in the Michelson interferometer with an extended source of white light are given. The description of laboratory work and the demonstration instruments are discussed.

© 2001 Optical Society of America