[ATM] which Bath version

[Paul A. Valleli]

Vladimir,
I am using the right angle version of Bath
Interferometer because it seems easier to align
during the intial setup of the optics and later,
when actually testing a component.
I have a LUPI based on a design I have been familiar
with since 1970 and similar to the one illustrated
in Sky & Telescope by Peter Ceravolo.
I recently modified it after the original HeNe laser
died. I now can accomodate Laser Pointers for Red,
Green, and Blue Laser Diodes. It took over 40 years
to enable that capability.
We had several Scatterplate White Light
Interferometers based on Joe vrabel's assistance at
Perkin -Elmer. He demonstrated a prototype at
Stellafane.   It had a filter slot ahead of a fiber
optic light bundle so that we could change
wavelengths quite rapidly. It was invaluable for
analyzing reconnaisance lenses for color
correction.  About 40 were sold, but they were
difficult to maintain the scatterplate and a bear to
find the fringe pattern.
In using the Bath, I usually purposely set it out of
focus as it is easier to find the bullseye pattern ,
remove any wedge by centering the pattern, and then
hone in to focus.

Paul


---- Original message ----

  Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:48:43 +0100
  From: "vladimir galogaza"
  <vladimir.galogaza1 at zg.t-com.hr>
  Subject: [ATM] which Bath version
  To: "Martti Koskimo" <martti.koskimo at kolumbus.fi>
  Cc: ATM List
  <atm at atmlist.net>,atm_free at yahoogroups.com,interferometry at yahoogroups.com
  >Martti,>>> are there any advantages of using
  right-angle version and not>>original version Bath
  Interferometer?>>I have always used original
  version.>>This is very interesting question.
  People are using either original or right >angle
  version>but as far as I know nobody used both with
  equal intensity. Only such person >will>be
  qualified to answer your question with
  competence.>>I am using only right angle version,
  as most second generation does.>By "second
  generation" I mean post-Rowe ATM attempts at
  interferometry.>First generation, represented
  typically by W. Rohr contribution, used>original
  version. Absence of free analysis programs and
  computers was>quite a handicap for the first
  generation. This is no more a case .>In my case
  inertia was (is) at work, but now, after you have
  asked a >question,>I am motivated to find an
  answer, and having necessary hardware, will give
  >it a try.>Have a patience, please (lot of).>>And
  have my best
  regards>Vladimir.>>>>>>_______________________________________________>ATM
  mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/