Multiple reflection assisted Laser Doppler Vibrometer setup for high resolution displacement measurement

Abstract: Non-intrusive displacement measurement technique has a distinct edge over displacement sensors working in contact mode. Laser Doppler Vibrometry based schemes (LDV) offer such an advantage. However, the measurements are limited up to $\lambda/4$, where $\lambda$ is the wavelength of optical source. An experimental design of high resolution non-intrusive displacement sensor working on the principle of basic LDV is being presented here. Resolution enhancement has been achieved through phase multiplication using multiple reflections within a high-Q cavity created by a vibrating surface and a high reflection mirror kept parallel to each other. Displacement of 72 $nm$ has been measured with an error range of $\pm 14$ $nm$ through direct counting of characteristic peaks in "half cycle" of the interferogram. The experimental design offers a straightforward route to measure displacement and the measurement resolution is mainly limited by the reflectivity and physical dimension of moving source.