Phase-shifting interferometry based on the lateral displacement of the light source.

A simple and inexpensive optical setup to phase-shifting interferometry is proposed. This optical setup is based on the Twyman-Green Interferometer where the phase shift is induced by the lateral displacement of the point laser source. A theoretical explanation of the induced phase by this alternative method is given. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical expectations. Both, the phase shift and the wrapped phase are recovered by a generalized phase-shifting algorithm from two or more interferograms with arbitrary and unknown phase shift. The experimental and theoretical results show the feasibility of this unused phase-shifting technique.