Thesis (M.S.)--California State University, Long Beach, 2008
Self-mixing interference occurs in a laser diode when a portion of its output is fed back into itself. This paper discusses the physics behind the self-mixing interference in a laser-diode and compares a theoretical analysis with experimental data with good agreement. A simple low-cost non-contact laser-diode vibrometer using self-mixing interference and servo-action is built for under $100 and described. Measurements of displacements on the order of a few microns are possible in real-time with the vibrometer instrument built for this project
