Applied photometry, radiometry, and measurements of optical losses

Abstract

This book provides an expansion into the radiometric and photometric approach to physical optics for measuring the energy and power extents of optical radiation, while exploring diverse, but not necessarily photometric, measurement techniques for examining the optical properties of the mediums, bodies, and substances using light. The major objective of that effort is to review all the accumulated knowledge and the essence of optical methods and techniques expanded within photometry and radiometry of quasi-monochromatic continuous, pulsed, spontaneous, coherent, and laser radiation, as well as of polychromatic light by analyzing up-to-date methodologies and metrology for the detection of ultra low optical losses in various objects, materials and elements, and comparing the majority of relevant measurement equipment. Conceptually, the initial thoughts of the analysis emphasized here were developed for two previous books: Measurements of Low Optical Losses, published by Energoatomizdat in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1988, and Photometry and Radiometry for Engineers, written in close cooperation with A.A. Wolkenstein and A.S. Doynikov, the publication of which was announced by Polytechnika (Mashinostroenie), St. Petersburg, in 1991, but only proofs of the manuscript were printed, and the book was left unpublished. This book consists of two interconnected parts. In the first part, fundamental photometric and radiometric principles, designations, methods, and devices are discussed via fundamental laws and methods developed within the concepts of physical optics applicable to photometric and radiometric systems. Attention is given to specifics of optical measurements, partially with coherent and pulsed radiation, corrections for diffraction, verification of authenticity for analyzing methods, and confirmation of photometric accuracy for photometers and radiometers. The second part of the book focuses on methods and systems, designed for evaluation of low optical losses in radiation interacting with transparent crystals and glasses, highly reflecting mirrors, thin-film coatings, weakly absorbing solids, liquids or gases, optical fibers or any other objects. Optical losses may occur anywhere when reflection, scattering, or absorption of radiation causes a noticeable reduction of efficiency for the radiant energy transfer. Multitudes of pulsed, resonator, calorimetric, interferometric, polarization, acoustooptic, active or passive, and other methods are analyzed side by side and in comparison with the conventional spectrophotometric and radiometric techniques for accurate optical measurements. Finally, advancements in direct methods of precision measurements attributing to the newest developments of highly stabilized laser light sources, balanced detectors, and computerized registration systems are described with insights into certain novel applications. The book is intended for practicing scientists and engineers of need to apply measurement methods and procedures for optical analysis and practical evaluation of transparent, reflecting, scattering, absorbing, and aggregated objects, as well as for determination of power and energy parameters, and the extents of radiation and color properties of light. It is also hoped that this book will serve as an accommodating resource of optical measurement ideas for students of optics. © Springer ScienceCBusiness Media B.V. 2012.