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Development of an interferometric displacement sensor
The goal of this project is to build and characterize a linear displacement sensor. The student will learn how to work with optical systems, interferometers and state-of-the-art sensors. This project is in collaboration with iXblue company.
Precise sensors of motion are of crucial technological importance for a wide
range of applications, from intertial navigation [1] to planetary exploration [2]. Some
of the most sensitive and highly developed sensors are based on optical interferometry,
where a change in path length of one of the arms of the interferometer due to the motion
of an object is measured from the interference pattern of the superimposed beams.
The student will work with a multi-function integrated optic circuit (MIOC) provided
by iXblue. It consists of a light source, modulator, beamsplitter and the necessary electronics.
The task is to build a free-space optical interferometer (c.f. figure) to measure
the displacement of a reflective target (e.g. a cover slip), which will be placed on a stable
mount with controllable motion. Finally, the measurement sensitivity will be analyzed as
a function of various parameters such as path length imbalance, motional frequency, etc.
References:
[1] https://iqlev.ethz.ch
[2] https://h2020-pioneers.eu
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of electrodynamics, electronics, and measurement techniques.
Precise sensors of motion are of crucial technological importance for a wide range of applications, from intertial navigation [1] to planetary exploration [2]. Some of the most sensitive and highly developed sensors are based on optical interferometry, where a change in path length of one of the arms of the interferometer due to the motion of an object is measured from the interference pattern of the superimposed beams. The student will work with a multi-function integrated optic circuit (MIOC) provided by iXblue. It consists of a light source, modulator, beamsplitter and the necessary electronics. The task is to build a free-space optical interferometer (c.f. figure) to measure the displacement of a reflective target (e.g. a cover slip), which will be placed on a stable mount with controllable motion. Finally, the measurement sensitivity will be analyzed as a function of various parameters such as path length imbalance, motional frequency, etc.