Abstract

We have recently suggested a method for measuring the deflection of rays of collimated light beams⁽¹⁾. The method is based on change in moire pattern due to ray deflection. It is diffraction-limited, so that, it obeys the uncertainty principle⁽²⁾ expressed by :

Where Δy is the spatial resolution in the y direction and Δϕ is the minimun measurable deflection angle. Ray deflections can be obtained quantitatively and in a straight forward fashion from the distorted fringes of the moire pattern. For example, with λ= 0.6μm and spatial resolution of 1mm one can measure Δϕ = 6.10^-5 rad.

© 1981 Optical Society of America