Statistical interferometry based on a fully developed speckle field: an experimental demonstration with noise analysis

A novel interferometric method named statistical interferometry is proposed and studied. In the method, in contrast to the conventional deterministic interferometry, the complete randomness of the two interfering light fields , i.e., the random interference of the fully developed speckle fields, play s an essential role and is used as a standard of phase in a statistical sen se. Preliminary experiments were conducted to verify the validity of the me thod, followed by a computer simulation. : As an experimental result, the a ccuracy of the measurements of an out-of-plane displacement was confirmed u p to lambda /800 by comparison with the heterodyne interferometer. The meth od has the advantage of simplicity of the optical system required, while at the same time providing high accuracy. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America .