Infrared Modulator for Optical Sensors Based on a Vibrating Fabry-Perot Interferometer

E. G. Lierke

doi:10.1117/12.7971904

1 February 1976 Infrared Modulator for Optical Sensors Based on a Vibrating Fabry-Perot Interferometer

E. G. Lierke

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 15, Issue 1, 150135 (February 1976). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.7971904

Abstract

The development, construction and space qualification of an IR modulator for f/1 radiation in the 14-16 pm band is described. The modulation is based on the principle of a vibrating Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometer with gap width variations of -Â±Am/8c,-, 2 pm (A-center wavelength) which is considered micromechanical. By connecting two such Fabry-Perot interferometers in series (with two outer CdTe plates in fixed positions and one common vibrating inner CdTe plate for harmonic gap width variation) a modulation effici-ency of about 75% is attained. CdTe is superior to other materials as far as IR absorption (0.2%/cm) within the -20Â°C to +60Â°C temperature range and the 2 to 25 11M wavelength range is concerned. Its modulation efficiency in a single FP interferometer is however too low because of its low refractive index (n = 2.5). The double FP interferometer is designed for small weight, large receiving aperture, small power consumption and high reliability in long-time space operation. The modulator is operated at a selected resonance frequency between 100 Hz and 1 kHz. It can be tuned to other wavelengths in the 2 to 25 pm range.

Citation Download Citation

E. G. Lierke "Infrared Modulator for Optical Sensors Based on a Vibrating Fabry-Perot Interferometer," Optical Engineering 15(1), 150135 (1 February 1976). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.7971904

Published: 1 February 1976

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

;

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE