Polarization phase-shifting interferometer by rotating azo-polymer film with photo-induced optical anisotropy

A new type of phase-shifting interferometer was presented by rotating an azo-polymer film with photo-induced optical anisotropy in the light path of orthogonal polarization interferometry. By changing the angle of the optical axis of the azo-polymer film, four phase-shifted fringe patterns were obtained, from which phase difference between orthogonal polarized light could be calculated. The polarization states and the formation of the interferograms were analyzed theoretically using Jones matrix calculations and the experimental verification of the proposed method was also given. This method has a simple optical configuration which utilizes commercially available polarization devices and anisotropic azo-polymer film of low cost. The phase-shifting interferometer also demonstrates a new application of azo-polymer film.