Fabry-Perot misalignment: the effect on peak position

Abstract

We have developed a theory for nonparallel Fabry-Perot mirrors that explains the shift in peak locations. Nonparallel mirrors can cause changes in the fractional order at the center of the pattern as a function of source location and can cause peak splitting for monochromatic light when there are multiple sources. This effect has been verified experimentally. Formulas are given that can be used to place upper bounds on the acceptable angles between the mirrors.