Multi-target CW interferometric acoustic measurements on a single optical beam

Abstract

We present a free-space, continuous-wave laser interferometric system capable of multi-target dynamic phase measurement at acoustic frequencies up to a Nyquist bandwidth of 10.2 kHz. The system uses Digitally-enhanced Heterodyne Interferometry to range gate acoustic signals simultaneously from multiple in-line reflections while isolating coherent cross-talk between them. We demonstrate sub-nanometer displacement sensitivity across the audio band for each individual reflection surface and 1.2 m resolution between successive surfaces. Signals outside the 1.2 m range-gate of the system were suppressed by greater than 30 dB in amplitude, enabling high fidelity independent acoustic measurements.