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Statistical properties of mutual intensity with finite measurement time

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Abstract

The accuracy with which the amplitude and phase of an interference fringe can be measured in quasi-thermal light is limited by the finite integration time used. The statistical errors expected in such a measurement are derived analytically, and their dependence on measurement time, the coherence time of the light, and the complex coherence factor are explored. An example illustrating the utility of the results is presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, 94305, Stanford, Ca, USA

    J. W. Goodman

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  1. J. W. Goodman
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Work supported by the Office of Naval Research

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Goodman, J.W. Statistical properties of mutual intensity with finite measurement time. Appl. Phys. 2, 95–101 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00934178

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00934178

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