Brewster-Plate Spoiler for Laser Spectrometer

Abstract

Oscillating Brewster plate reduces effects of unwanted interference fringes on absorption-spectroscopic measurements obtained with tuned diode lasers. Plate modulates optical-path length past several resonance peaks causing interference fringes to pass by rapidly and become blurred. Thus, fringe effects averaged out over time. Technique used at other wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared and in spectrometers with short or long optical paths, including those with retroreflectors or multipass cells.