Abstract
Many powerful methods of experimental mechanics are based on optical phenomena. Approaches in this class include, for example, photoelasticity, speckle interferometry, laser Doppler, and moiré interferometry. Typically, these techniques are noncontact, relatively noninvasive, and they yield data over the entire field of interest. Informed application of these techniques requires understanding of basic optics.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide the necessary background knowledge in wave optics. The exposition begins with the nature and description of light and its interactions with materials, then progresses to the first cornerstone of optical methods, interference, and its manifestation in classical interferometric applications. The second cornerstone, diffraction at an aperture, is then treated along with its application in optical spatial filtering. Geometrical optics is not discussed. Where possible, reliance is on physical reasoning in place of mathematical manipulation. The main goals are utility, clarity, brevity, and accuracy.
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Abbreviations
- CCD:
-
charge-coupled device
- DC:
-
direct current
- DPV:
-
Doppler picture velocimetry
- FM:
-
frequency modulation
- LDV:
-
laser Doppler vibrometry
- PL:
-
path length
- PLD:
-
path length difference
References
G.L. Cloud: A classic interferometry: Newtonʼs rings, Exp. Tech. 27(1), 17–19 (2003)
G.L. Cloud: Another classic interferometry: Youngʼs experiment, Exp. Tech. 27(2), 19–21 (2003)
G.L. Cloud: Colored interferometry fringes, Exp. Tech. 27(3), 21–24 (2003)
G. Mesmer: Spannungsoptik (Springer, Berlin 1939), in German
G.L. Cloud: Optical Methods of Engineering Analysis (Cambridge Univ. Press, New York 1993 and 1998)
G.L. Cloud: The optical Doppler effect, Exp. Tech. 29(2), 17–19 (2005)
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© 2008 Springer-Verlag
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Cloud, G. (2008). Basics of Optics. In: Sharpe, W. (eds) Springer Handbook of Experimental Solid Mechanics. Springer Handbooks. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-30877-7_18
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-30877-7_18
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-26883-5
Online ISBN: 978-0-387-30877-7
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