He–Ne laser wavelength-shifting interferometry

The use of wavelength-shifting interferometry with a He–Ne laser source is presented. The approach is based on the thermal expansion of the laser cavity during the warm-up time, in conjunction with an unequal path interferometric configuration. The optics principles are reviewed, and a demonstrative measurement is presented. The technique extends the capability of phase-shift acquisition and processing to cases where conventional methods with piezoelectric transducers cannot be used, and particularly to external measurement cavities of large diameter.