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Journal of the Optical Society of America

Measurement of Absorption-Line Profiles with a Fabry–Perot Interferometer*

Robert J. Hull, Lee C. Bradley

Published Jan 1, 1967• 8 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We have calculated the line profiles to be expected when a Fabry–Perot interferometer is used to measure absorption lines. We have shown that large errors may be introduced in the measurement of the integrated absorption, even when an interferometer of high finesse is used. Curves and tables are given for finding the true absorption width and the true peak absorption from the apparent values observed under different operating conditions of the emission light source and the interferometer. We show qualitatively that the distortions are partially due to the presence of nonzero wings in the instrument-bandpass function. Finally, we show a Fourier series expansion of the integral giving the transmittance of the Fabry-Perot interferometer when absorbing atoms are in the light path.

DOI
10.1364/josa.57.000011

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We have calculated the line profiles to be expected when a Fabry–Perot interferometer is used to measure absorption lines. We have shown that large errors may be introduced in the measurement of the integrated absorption, even when an interferometer of high finesse is used. Curves and tables are given for finding the true absorption width and the true peak absorption from the apparent values observed under different operating conditions of the emission light source and the interferometer. We show qualitatively that the distortions are partially due to the presence of nonzero wings in the instrument-bandpass function. Finally, we show a Fourier series expansion of the integral giving the transmittance of the Fabry-Perot interferometer when absorbing atoms are in the light path.
In the optical masers realized so far a Perot-Fabry device is used as a multimode cavity. It may be interesting to investigate the general properties of such a device when the emitting or the absorbing atoms are put inside the reflecting mirrors. Even in the case when this device works below the threshold of maser action it shows remarkable properties which are worthwhile studying experimentally. The following aspects are considered in the paper: In the case of external illumination, the distribution of light intensity inside a Perot-Fabry interferometer is calculated. It is shown that the local light intensity in the stationary waves inside can be much higher than the intensity of the incident light beam. The properties of light emitted by atoms inside the Perot-Fabry and emerging from it are investigated. Narrow fringes of very strong intensity can be obtained. If the emitting atoms are located in an atomic beam the central fringe has natural line width, the Doppler broadening being suppressed. The realization of a fluorescent medium of lamellar structure is discussed. This structure favors one special mode of emission fringes. Finally, the absorption of atoms inside the interferometer is studied. It is shown that this device is equivalent to a long absorption path in an ordinary light beam.
In the optical masers realized so far a Perot-Fabry device is used as a multimode cavity. It may be interesting to investigate the general properties of such a device when the emitting or the absorbing atoms are put inside the reflecting mirrors. Even in the case when this device works below the threshold of maser action it shows remarkable properties which are worthwhile studying experimentally. The following aspects are considered in the paper: In the case of external illumination, the distribution of light intensity inside a Perot-Fabry interferometer is calculated. It is shown that the local light intensity in the stationary waves inside can be much higher than the intensity of the incident light beam. The properties of light emitted by atoms inside the Perot-Fabry and emerging from it are investigated. Narrow fringes of very strong intensity can be obtained. If the emitting atoms are located in an atomic beam the central fringe has natural line width, the Doppler broadening being suppressed. The realization of a fluorescent medium of lamellar structure is discussed. This structure favors one special mode of emission fringes. Finally, the absorption of atoms inside the interferometer is studied. It is shown that this device is equivalent to a long absorption path in an ordinary light beam.
In the optical masers realized so far a Perot-Fabry device is used as a multimode cavity. It may be interesting to investigate the general properties of such a device when the emitting or the absorbing atoms are put inside the reflecting mirrors. Even in the case when this device works below the threshold of maser action it shows remarkable properties which are worthwhile studying experimentally. The following aspects are considered in the paper: In the case of external illumination, the distribution of light intensity inside a Perot-Fabry interferometer is calculated. It is shown that the local light intensity in the stationary waves inside can be much higher than the intensity of the incident light beam. The properties of light emitted by atoms inside the Perot-Fabry and emerging from it are investigated. Narrow fringes of very strong intensity can be obtained. If the emitting atoms are located in an atomic beam the central fringe has natural line width, the Doppler broadening being suppressed. The realization of a fluorescent medium of lamellar structure is discussed. This structure favors one special mode of emission fringes. Finally, the absorption of atoms inside the interferometer is studied. It is shown that this device is equivalent to a long absorption path in an ordinary light beam.
In the first part the author reviews the classical theory of the Fabry Perot interferometer that is applicable when the interferometer is illuminated by a light beam of coherent vibrations having long duration. In the second part, he studies how a pulse of square form is transmitted through a Fabry Perot interferometer. The two parameters of duration τ and τ' that characterize the instrument were defined. τ represents the duration of light path for a forward and backward motion between the two plates and τ' characterises the duration of the exponential attenuation of the beam due to the successive multiple reflections it suffers. In the case of the pulse having duration Θ 0 > τ the emergent vibrations superpose progressively and the profile of intensity of the output pulse as a function of time is calculated. In case when Θ 0 < τ the successive separated pulses do not overlap. The Fourier analysis of the signal received by a detector has been discussed in this case. In part III, the analogy between the spectrum of the signal and the optical spectrum of the Fabry Perot has been shown. In part IV, the profile of the light reflected by the Febry Perot receiving a light pulse, in the time domain, has been established and in part V the balance of light energy stored in the Fabry Perot has been established.