Structured Back Focal Plane Interferometry (SBFPI)

Abstract

Back focal plane interferometry (BFPI) is one of the most straightforward and powerful methods for achieving sub-nanometer particle tracking precision at high speed (MHz). BFPI faces technical challenges that prohibit tunable expansion of linear detection range with minimal loss to sensitivity, while maintaining robustness against optical aberrations. In this paper, we devise a tunable BFPI combining a structured beam (conical wavefront) and structured detection (annular quadrant photodiode). This technique, which we termed Structured Back Focal Plane Interferometry (SBFPI), possesses three key novelties namely: extended tracking range, low loss in sensitivity, and resilience to spatial aberrations. Most importantly, the conical wavefront beam preserves the axial Gouy phase shift and lateral beam waist that can then be harnessed in a conventional BFPI system. Through a series of experimental results, we were able to tune detection sensitivity and detection range over the SBFPI parameter space. We also identified a figure of merit based on the experimental optimum that allows us to identify optimal SBPFI configurations that balance both range and sensitivity. In addition, we also studied the resilience of SBFPI against asymmetric spatial aberrations (astigmatism of up to 0.8 λ) along the lateral directions. The simplicity and elegance of SBFPI will accelerate its dissemination to many associated fields in optical detection, interferometry and force spectroscopy.