Phase-shifting by polarizer rotations in a right-angle prism interferometer

Abstract

In this manuscript it is presented what we believe to be a novel and simple phase-shifting technique based on polarizer rotations, using a right angle prism as the interferometric device. It is possible to generate interference when the right angle edge of the prism is placed parallel to a linearly polarized collimated beam. In this configuration optical phase changes are presented due to the internal reflections in the prism; therefore, a linearly polarized beam turns into elliptical polarization. If the output elliptically polarized interference beam passed through a lineal polarizer, phase-shifting is generated if it rotates by an angle theta. This proposal will be sustained with simulated and experimental shifted interference patterns and with the calculation of wrapped and unwrapped phases.