A static Fourier-transform spectrometer based on Wollaston prisms

Abstract

A static Fourier-transform spectrometer has been designed based on Wollaston prisms. It produces an interferogram in the spatial domain which is recorded using a 2D camera. A combination of two Wollaston prisms localizes the interference fringes coincident with the plane of the detector, thereby facilitating an extremely compact design. A personal computer is used to calculate the wavelength spectrum of the input light from the Fourier transform of the interferogram. In addition to its use as a compact and efficient spectrometer, the instrument’s use as a laser wavemeter has also been demonstrated.