Instantaneous laser Doppler velocimeter using a fast wavelength tracking Michelson interferometer

A new species of laser Doppler velocimeter is presented based on wavelength detection with a two-beam interferometer. A finite optical path difference, Δφ, of the interferometer creates a sensitivity of the interference to wavelength changes. By means of a fast feedback system, the phase, Δφ/λ is kept constant. Wavelength changes are immediately answered by changes of Δφ generated with a Pockels cell. The Pockels cell voltage represents a continuous signal proportional to the instantaneous velocity component of the scattering object. A time resolution of 1 μs or lower can be obtained. The field of applications includes velocity recordings in gas flows containing tracer particles as well as velocity recordings of moving surfaces. A number of experiments are described demonstrating the performance of the system.