Phase-shift algorithm for white-light interferometry insensitive to linear errors in phase shift

Abstract

White-light interference has changes in fringe contrast. When phase-shift techniques are applied to white-light interference, the phase-shift algorithm which can extract the phase accurately under the contrast changes is required. There is often another requirement that the phase shift between frames should not be restricted to π/2. Computer simulations show that the well-known algorithms have non-negligible errors under both requirements. To find an algorithm which will satisfy the requirements, I extract individual terms (I _j ∓ I _k ) in an algorithmic equation by considering symmetry of light intensity against phase, where I _j is light intensity just after the j-th phase shift. Using computer simulations, I search for appropriate coefficients by which the terms are multiplied in the equation, finally finding an algorithm which satisfies both the requirements with the phase shift used.