Real-time, quantitative, differential holographic interferometry

A real-time holographic interferometer has been developed for quantitative flow and wavefront diagnostics. The interferometer employs a new variety of the non-linear recording material, Bacteriorhodopsin, to not only record interferograms in real-time, but to analyze them in real-time as well, using an innovative adaptation of Phase Shift Interferometry. The versatile interferometer can be configured as a real-time holographic interferometer for general applications and also as a high-speed, multiple pulsed interferometer for time differential applications, such as analyzing unsteady flow and turbulence. The versatility and relative low cost of the hardware components make the interferometer an attractive option for upgrading current schlieren flow visualization systems.